Pullulanase variants and polynucleotides encoding same

ABSTRACT

The present invention relates to pullulanase variants having increased thermoactivity and comprising substitutions of the parent pullulanase at one or more positions corresponding to positions 393, 143, 150, 243, 244, 345, 346, 368, 370, 373, 381, 382, 385, 387, 402, 429, 430, 431, 432, 456, 486, 492, 610, 624, 631, 632, 665 and 699 of the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 3. The present invention also relates to polynucleotides encoding the variants; nucleic acid constructs, vectors, and host cells comprising the polynucleotides; and methods of using the variants. The variants are mainly derived from pullulanases from  Bacillus deramificans, Bacillus acidopullulyticus  or hybrid pullulanases.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a 35 U.S.C. 371 national application of PCT/EP2015/051145 filed Jan. 21, 2015, which claims priority or the benefit under 35 U.S.C. 119 of European application nos. 14152110.4 and 14195691.2 filed Jan. 22, 2014 and Dec. 1, 2014, respectively, the contents of which are fully incorporated herein by reference.

REFERENCE TO A SEQUENCE LISTING

This application contains a Sequence Listing in computer readable form, which is incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to pullulanase variants, polynucleotides encoding the variants, methods of producing the variants, and methods of using the variants. Also described is the use of pullulanase of the invention for starch conversion to produce fermentation products. The invention also relates to a composition comprising a pullulanase of the invention.

Description of the Related Art

Starch usually consists of about 80% amylopectin and 20% amylose. Amylopectin is a branched polysaccharide in which linear chains alpha-1,4 D-glucose residues are joined by alpha-1,6 glucosidic linkages. Amylopectin is partially degraded by alpha-amylase, which hydrolyzes the 1,4-alpha-glucosidic linkages to produce branched and linear oligosaccharides. Prolonged degradation of amylopectin by alpha-amylase results in the formation of so-called alpha-limit dextrins that are not susceptible to further hydrolysis by the alpha-amylase. Branched oligosaccharides can be hydrolyzed into linear oligosaccharides by a debranching enzyme. The remaining branched oligosaccharides can be depolymerized to D-glucose by glucoamylase, which hydrolyzes linear oligosaccharides into D-glucose.

Debranching enzymes which can attack amylopectin are divided into two classes: isoamylases (E.C. 3.2.1.68) and pullulanases (E.C. 3.2.1.41), respectively. Isoamylase hydrolyses alpha-1,6-D-glucosidic branch linkages in amylopectin and beta-limit dextrins and can be distinguished from pullulanases by the inability of isoamylase to attack pullulan, and by their limited action on alpha-limit dextrins.

It is well-known in the art to add isoamylases or pullulanases in starch conversion processes. Pullulanase is a starch debranching enzyme having pullulan 6-glucano-hydrolase activity (EC3.2.1.41) that catalyzes the hydrolyses the α-1,6-glycosidic bonds in pullulan, releasing maltotriose with reducing carbohydrate ends. Usually pullulanase is used in combination with an alpha amylase and/or a glucoamylase.

Pullulanases are known in the art. U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,074,854 and 5,817,498 disclose a pullulanase from Bacillus deramificans. WO2009/075682 disclose a pullulanase derived from Bacillus acidopullulyticus.

The present invention provides pullulanase variants with improved properties compared to its parent.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a pullulanase variant comprising a substitution at one or more positions corresponding to positions 393, 143, 150, 243, 244, 346, 368, 370, 373, 381, 385, 387, 402, 429, 430, 456, 486, 492, 610, 631, 632, 665 and 699 of the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 3 wherein the variant has pullulanase activity; and a) wherein the variant has at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, or at least 99%, but less than 100% sequence identity to the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 3 and wherein the variant has increased thermoactivity compared to the pullulanase of SEQ ID NO: 3, particularly the variant has at least 60% relative activity when measured at 70° C. relative to activity at 65° C., more particularly at least 65%, more particularly at least 70%, more particularly at least 60%, more particularly at least 75%, more particularly at least 80%, more particularly at least 90%, more particularly at least 100%; or b) wherein the variant has at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, or at least 99%, but less than 100% sequence identity to the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 6 and wherein the variant has increased thermoactivity compared to the pullulanase of SEQ ID NO: 6, particularly the variant has at least 30% relative activity when measured at 70° C. relative to activity at 65° C., more particularly at least 40%, more particularly at least 50%, more particularly at least 60%, more particularly at least 70%, more particularly at least 80%, more particularly at least 90%, more particularly at least 100%; or c) wherein the variant has at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, or at least 99%, but less than 100% sequence identity to the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 9 and wherein the variant has increased thermoactivity compared to the pullulanase of SEQ ID NO: 9, particularly the variant has at least 30% relative activity when measured at 70° C. relative to activity at 65° C., more particularly at least 40%, more particularly at least 50%, more particularly at least 60%, more particularly at least 70%, more particularly at least 80%, more particularly at least 90%, more particularly at least 100%; or d) wherein the variant has at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, or at least 99%, but less than 100% sequence identity to the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 16 and wherein the variant has increased thermoactivity compared to the pullulanase of SEQ ID NO: 16, particularly the variant has at least 30% relative activity when measured at 70° C. relative to activity at 65° C., more particularly at least 40%, more particularly at least 50%, more particularly at least 60%, more particularly at least 70%, more particularly at least 80%, more particularly at least 90%, more particularly at least 100%; or e) wherein the variant has at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, or at least 99%, but less than 100% sequence identity to the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 17 and wherein the variant has increased thermoactivity compared to the pullulanase of SEQ ID NO: 17, particularly the variant has at least 30% relative activity when measured at 70° C. relative to activity at 65° C., more particularly at least 40%, more particularly at least 50%, more particularly at least 60%, more particularly at least 70%, more particularly at least 80%, more particularly at least 90%, more particularly at least 100%.

In a further aspect the present invention relates to a variant catalytic domain, wherein the variant catalytic domain comprises a substitution at one or more positions corresponding to positions 393, 346, 368, 370, 373, 381, 385, 387, 402, 429, 430, 456, 486, 492, 610, 631, 632, 665 and 699 of the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 3; and a) wherein the variant catalytic domain has at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, or at least 99%, but less than 100% sequence identity to amino acids 330 to 828 of SEQ ID NO: 3; or b) wherein the variant catalytic domain has at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, or at least 99%, but less than 100% sequence identity to amino acids 430 to 928 of SEQ ID NO: 6; or c) wherein the variant catalytic domain has at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, or at least 99%, but less than 100% sequence identity to amino acids 330 to 829 of SEQ ID NO: 9; or d) wherein the variant has at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, or at least 99%, but less than 100% sequence identity to the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 16 and wherein the variant has increased thermoactivity compared to the pullulanase of SEQ ID NO: 16, particularly the variant has at least 30% relative activity when measured at 70° C. relative to activity at 65° C., more particularly at least 40%, more particularly at least 50%, more particularly at least 60%, more particularly at least 70%, more particularly at least 80%, more particularly at least 90%, more particularly at least 100%; or e) wherein the variant has at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, or at least 99%, but less than 100% sequence identity to the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 17 and wherein the variant has increased thermoactivity compared to the pullulanase of SEQ ID NO: 17, particularly the variant has at least 30% relative activity when measured at 70° C. relative to activity at 65° C., more particularly at least 40%, more particularly at least 50%, more particularly at least 60%, more particularly at least 70%, more particularly at least 80%, more particularly at least 90%, more particularly at least 100%.

The present invention further relates to a pullulanase variant comprising the variant catalytic domain of the invention, wherein the pullulanase variant has pullulanase activity and increased thermoactivity compared to the parent pullulanase, and the variant has at least 60% relative activity when measured at 70° C. relative to activity at 65° C., more particularly at least 65%, more particularly at least 70%, more particularly at least 60%, more particularly at least 75%, more particularly at least 80%, more particularly at least 90%, more particularly at least 100%.

In a still further aspect the invention relates to compositions comprising the pullulanase variants of the invention.

The present invention also relates to polynucleotides encoding the variants; nucleic acid constructs, vectors, and host cells comprising the polynucleotides; and methods of producing the variants.

The present invention also relates to methods of producing a fermentation product from a starch containing material.

Definitions

Pullulanase: The term “pullulanase” means a starch debranching enzyme having pullulan 6-glucano-hydrolase activity (EC 3.2.1.41) that catalyzes the hydrolysis the α-1,6-glycosidic bonds in pullulan, releasing maltotriose with reducing carbohydrate ends. For purposes of the present invention, pullulanase activity can be determined according to the procedure described in the Examples. In the context of the present invention the variant pullulanases have improved thermoactivity. Increased thermoactivity was determined as relative activity when measured at 70° C. relative to activity at 65° C. using the PHADEBAS assay as described in the examples.

In particular the pullulanase variants of the invention have at least 60% relative activity when measured at 70° C. relative to activity at 65° C., more particularly at least 70%, more particularly at least 80%, more particularly at least 90%, more particularly at least 100% when comparing variants of SEQ ID NO: 3.

In particular the pullulanase variants of the invention have at least 30% relative activity when measured at 70° C. relative to activity at 65° C., more particularly at least 40%, more particularly at least 50%, more particularly at least 60%, more particularly at least 70%, more particularly at least 80%, more particularly at least 90%, more particularly at least 100% when comparing variants of SEQ ID NO: 6.

In particular the pullulanase variants of the invention have at least 30% relative activity when measured at 70° C. relative to activity at 65° C., more particularly at least 40%, more particularly at least 50%, more particularly at least 60%, more particularly at least 70%, more particularly at least 80%, more particularly at least 90%, more particularly at least 100% when comparing variants of SEQ ID NO: 9.

Pullulanase domains, CBM41, X45, X25: According to NCBI's CDD (conserved domain database, Marchler-Bauer et al., Nucleic acids research 2011, vol. 39, D225-229), X25, X45 and CBM41 domains in pullulanases are described as follows:

X25 Domain of Bacillus acidopullulyticus Pullulanase and Similar Proteins.

Pullulanase (EC 3.2.1.41) cleaves 1.6-alpha-glucosidic linkages in pullulan, amylopectin, and glycogen, and in alpha- and beta-amylase limit-dextrins of amylopectin and glycogen. Bacillus acidopullulyticus pullulanase is used industrially in the production of high fructose corn syrup, high maltose content syrups and low calorie and “light” beers. Pullulanases, in addition to the catalytic domain, include several carbohydrate-binding domains (CBMs) as well as domains of unknown function (termed “X” modules). X25 was identified in Bacillus acidopullulyticus pullulanase, and splits another domain of unknown function (X45). X25 is present in multiple copies in some pullulanases. It has been suggested that X25 and X45 are CBMs which target mixed alpha-1.6/alpha-1.4 linked D-glucan polysaccharides.

X45 Domain of Bacillus acidopullulyticus Pullulanase and Similar Proteins.

Pullulanase (EC 3.2.1.41) cleaves 1.6-alpha-glucosidic linkages in pullulan, amylopectin, and glycogen, and in alpha- and beta-amylase limit-dextrins of amylopectin and glycogen. Bacillus acidopullulyticus pullulanase is used industrially in the production of high fructose corn syrup, high maltose content syrups and low calorie and “light” beers. Pullulanases, in addition to the catalytic domain, include several carbohydrate-binding domains (CBMs) as well as domains of unknown function (termed “X” modules). X45 was identified in Bacillus acidopullulyticus pullulanase; it is interrupted by another domain of unknown function (X25). It has been suggested that X25 and X45 are CBMs which target mixed alpha-1.6/alpha-1.4 linked D-glucan polysaccharides.

Family 41 Carbohydrate-Binding Module from Pullulanase-like Enzymes

Pullulanases (EC 3.2.1.41) are a group of starch-debranching enzymes, catalyzing the hydrolysis of the alpha-1.6-glucosidic linkages of alpha-glucans, preferentially pullulan. Pullulan is a polysaccharide in which alpha-1.4 linked maltotriosyl units are combined via an alpha-1.6 linkage. These enzymes are of importance in the starch industry, where they are used to hydrolyze amylopectin starch. Pullulanases consist of multiple distinct domains, including a catalytic domain belonging to the glycoside hydrolase (GH) family 13 and carbohydrate-binding modules (CBM), including CBM41. Carbohydrate-Binding Module family 41, are modules of approx. 100 residues found primarily in bacterial pullulanases. CBM41 alias PUD (Bacterial pullulanase-associated domain) modules, may be identified in a query protein sequence, by using the Pfam database ‘Sequence Search’ tool, using Pfam version 26.0 or higher. The Pfam database is a large collection of protein families, each represented by multiple sequence alignments and hidden Markov models (HMMs). Pfam is freely available under the Creative Commons Zero (“CC0”) license.

The query protein sequence in FASTA format is entered into the search field of the Pfam database Sequence Search tool available via the internet, and the Submit button is pressed, after which the Sequence Search results are displayed in a table showing Significant Pfam-A Matches, hereafter Table.

The presence of Table rows containing the Family name PUD are positive identifications of the presence of CBM41 alias PUD modules in the query protein sequence. The PUD Family name may also be referred to as PF03714 without loss of ambiguity.

Additional columns in the Table show Envelope Start and End coordinates, which define respectively start and end coordinates of the CBM41 alias PUD module in the query sequence, hereafter sequence Region which encompasses sequence start to end inclusive.

An additional column in the Table shows E-value, which refers to the statistical significance of the CBM41 alias PUD module identification. Lower E-values are statistically more significant than higher E-values. Significant CBM41 alias PUD module identifications are defined as those having as having an E-value less than 1.0, preferably an E-value less than 1e-2 (0.01), more preferably an E-value less than 1e-4 (0.0001), even more preferably an E-value less than 1e-6 (0.000001).

Some pullulanases contain all these domains at their N-terminal and some lack either one or two or all of these domains.

Allelic variant: The term “allelic variant” means any of two or more alternative forms of a gene occupying the same chromosomal locus. Allelic variation arises naturally through mutation, and may result in polymorphism within populations. Gene mutations can be silent (no change in the encoded polypeptide) or may encode polypeptides having altered amino acid sequences. An allelic variant of a polypeptide is a polypeptide encoded by an allelic variant of a gene.

cDNA: The term “cDNA” means a DNA molecule that can be prepared by reverse transcription from a mature, spliced, mRNA molecule obtained from a eukaryotic or prokaryotic cell. cDNA lacks intron sequences that may be present in the corresponding genomic DNA. The initial, primary RNA transcript is a precursor to mRNA that is processed through a series of steps, including splicing, before appearing as mature spliced mRNA.

Coding sequence: The term “coding sequence” means a polynucleotide, which directly specifies the amino acid sequence of a variant. The boundaries of the coding sequence are generally determined by an open reading frame, which begins with a start codon such as ATG, GTG or TTG and ends with a stop codon such as TAA, TAG, or TGA. The coding sequence may be a genomic DNA, cDNA, synthetic DNA, or a combination thereof.

Control sequences: The term “control sequences” means nucleic acid sequences necessary for expression of a polynucleotide encoding a variant of the present invention. Each control sequence may be native (i.e., from the same gene) or foreign (i.e., from a different gene) to the polynucleotide encoding the variant or native or foreign to each other. Such control sequences include, but are not limited to, a leader, polyadenylation sequence, propeptide sequence, promoter, signal peptide sequence, and transcription terminator. At a minimum, the control sequences include a promoter, and transcriptional and translational stop signals. The control sequences may be provided with linkers for the purpose of introducing specific restriction sites facilitating ligation of the control sequences with the coding region of the polynucleotide encoding a variant.

Expression: The term “expression” includes any step involved in the production of a variant including, but not limited to, transcription, post-transcriptional modification, translation, post-translational modification, and secretion.

Expression vector: The term “expression vector” means a linear or circular DNA molecule that comprises a polynucleotide encoding a variant and is operably linked to control sequences that provide for its expression.

Fragment: The term “fragment” means a polypeptide having one or more (e.g., several) amino acids absent from the amino and/or carboxyl terminus of a mature polypeptide; wherein the fragment has pullulanase activity.

Hybrid pullulanase: Hybrid pullulanases according to the invention are obtained by combining an N-terminal fragment of one pullulanase fused to a C-terminal fragment of another pullulanase. Preferably the fusion is taking place within the catalytic domain where at least part of the catalytic domain in the hybrid pullulanase should be derived from the catalytic domain comprised in Promozyme D2 (SEQ ID NO: 5), however, other fusion points are also possible. The fusion could be a simple fusion between two fragments origination from the two parent pullulanases, however, the fusion could in some embodiments give rise to a shuffled amino acid sequence in the interface between the two parent fragments. Fusion should preferably be performed in a region homology between the parent pullulanases. The homologous region should at least be 4 amino acids.

High stringency conditions: The term “high stringency conditions” means for probes of at least 100 nucleotides in length, prehybridization and hybridization at 42° C. in 5×SSPE, 0.3% SDS, 200 micrograms/ml sheared and denatured salmon sperm DNA, and 50% formamide, following standard Southern blotting procedures for 12 to 24 hours. The carrier material is finally washed three times each for 15 minutes using 2×SSC, 0.2% SDS at 65° C.

Host cell: The term “host cell” means any cell type that is susceptible to transformation, transfection, transduction, or the like with a nucleic acid construct or expression vector comprising a polynucleotide of the present invention. The term “host cell” encompasses any progeny of a parent cell that is not identical to the parent cell due to mutations that occur during replication.

Improved property: The term “improved property” means a characteristic associated with a variant that is improved compared to the parent. Such improved properties include, but are not limited to, specific activity, thermo-stability and thermo-activity. In a particular embodiment the improved property is increased thermoactivity. In another particular embodiment the improved property is increased thermostability. In another particular embodiment the improved property is increased specific activity.

Isolated: The term “isolated” means a substance in a form or environment which does not occur in nature. Non-limiting examples of isolated substances include (1) any non-naturally occurring substance, (2) any substance including, but not limited to, any enzyme, variant, nucleic acid, protein, peptide or cofactor, that is at least partially removed from one or more or all of the naturally occurring constituents with which it is associated in nature; (3) any substance modified by the hand of man relative to that substance found in nature; or (4) any substance modified by increasing the amount of the substance relative to other components with which it is naturally associated (e.g., multiple copies of a gene encoding the substance; use of a stronger promoter than the promoter naturally associated with the gene encoding the substance). An isolated substance may be present in a fermentation broth sample.

Isoamylase: The term “isoamylase” means a starch debranching enzyme activity (E.C. 3.2.1.68) that hydrolyses alpha-1,6-D-glucosidic branch linkages in amylopectin and beta-limit dextrins and can be distinguished from pullulanases by the inability of isoamylase to attack pullulan, and by the limited action on alpha-limit dextrins. Isoamylase may be added in effective amounts well known to the person skilled in the art. Isoamylase may be added alone or together with a pullulanase.

Low stringency conditions: The term “low stringency conditions” means for probes of at least 100 nucleotides in length, prehybridization and hybridization at 42° C. in 5×SSPE, 0.3% SDS, 200 micrograms/ml sheared and denatured salmon sperm DNA, and 25% formamide, following standard Southern blotting procedures for 12 to 24 hours. The carrier material is finally washed three times each for 15 minutes using 2×SSC, 0.2% SDS at 50° C.

Mature polypeptide: The term “mature polypeptide” means a polypeptide in its final form following translation and any post-translational modifications, such as N-terminal processing, C-terminal truncation, glycosylation, phosphorylation, etc. In one aspect, the mature polypeptide is amino acids 34 to 861 of SEQ ID NO: 2 and amino acids 1 to 33 of SEQ ID NO: 2 are a signal peptide. In another aspect, the mature polypeptide is amino acids 30 to 957 of SEQ ID NO: 5 and amino acids 1 to 29 of SEQ ID NO: 5 are a signal peptide. In another aspect, the mature polypeptide is amino acids 34 to 862 of SEQ ID NO: 8 and amino acids 1 to 33 of SEQ ID NO: 8 are a signal peptide. It is known in the art that a host cell may produce a mixture of two of more different mature polypeptides (i.e., with a different C-terminal and/or N-terminal amino acid) expressed by the same polynucleotide.

Mature polypeptide coding sequence: The term “mature polypeptide coding sequence” means a polynucleotide that encodes a mature polypeptide having pullulanase activity. In one aspect, the mature polypeptide coding sequence is nucleotides 100 to 2583 of SEQ ID NO: 1. Nucleotides 1 to 99 of SEQ ID NO: 1 encode a signal peptide. In another aspect, the mature polypeptide coding sequence is nucleotides 88 to 2871 of SEQ ID NO: 4. Nucleotides 1 to 87 of SEQ ID NO: 4 encode a signal peptide. In another aspect, the mature polypeptide coding sequence is nucleotides 100 to 2586 of SEQ ID NO: 7. Nucleotides 1 to 99 of SEQ ID NO: 7 encode a signal peptide.

Medium stringency conditions: The term “medium stringency conditions” means for probes of at least 100 nucleotides in length, prehybridization and hybridization at 42° C. in 5×SSPE, 0.3% SDS, 200 micrograms/ml sheared and denatured salmon sperm DNA, and 35% formamide, following standard Southern blotting procedures for 12 to 24 hours. The carrier material is finally washed three times each for 15 minutes using 2×SSC, 0.2% SDS at 55° C.

Medium-high stringency conditions: The term “medium-high stringency conditions” means for probes of at least 100 nucleotides in length, prehybridization and hybridization at 42° C. in 5×SSPE, 0.3% SDS, 200 micrograms/ml sheared and denatured salmon sperm DNA, and 35% formamide, following standard Southern blotting procedures for 12 to 24 hours. The carrier material is finally washed three times each for 15 minutes using 2×SSC, 0.2% SDS at 60° C.

Mutant: The term “mutant” means a polynucleotide encoding a variant.

Nucleic acid construct: The term “nucleic acid construct” means a nucleic acid molecule, either single- or double-stranded, which is isolated from a naturally occurring gene or is modified to contain segments of nucleic acids in a manner that would not otherwise exist in nature or which is synthetic, which comprises one or more control sequences.

Operably linked: The term “operably linked” means a configuration in which a control sequence is placed at an appropriate position relative to the coding sequence of a polynucleotide such that the control sequence directs expression of the coding sequence.

Parent or parent pullulanase: The term “parent” or “parent pullulanase or chimera pullulanase means a pullulanase to which an alteration is made to produce the enzyme variants of the present invention. The parent may be a naturally occurring (wild-type) polypeptide or a variant or fragment thereof.

Sequence identity: The relatedness between two amino acid sequences or between two nucleotide sequences is described by the parameter “sequence identity”.

For purposes of the present invention, the sequence identity between two amino acid sequences is determined using the Needleman-Wunsch algorithm (Needleman and Wunsch, 1970, J. Mol. Biol. 48: 443-453) as implemented in the Needle program of the EMBOSS package (EMBOSS: The European Molecular Biology Open Software Suite, Rice et al., 2000, Trends Genet. 16: 276-277), preferably version 5.0.0 or later. The parameters used are gap open penalty of 10, gap extension penalty of 0.5, and the EBLOSUM62 (EMBOSS version of BLOSUM62) substitution matrix. The output of Needle labeled “longest identity” (obtained using the—nobrief option) is used as the percent identity and is calculated as follows: (Identical Residues×100)/(Length of Alignment−Total Number of Gaps in Alignment)

For purposes of the present invention, the sequence identity between two deoxyribonucleotide sequences is determined using the Needleman-Wunsch algorithm (Needleman and Wunsch, 1970, supra) as implemented in the Needle program of the EMBOSS package (EMBOSS: The European Molecular Biology Open Software Suite, Rice et al., 2000, supra), preferably version 5.0.0 or later. The parameters used are gap open penalty of 10, gap extension penalty of 0.5, and the EDNAFULL (EMBOSS version of NCBI NUC4.4) substitution matrix. The output of Needle labeled “longest identity” (obtained using the −nobrief option) is used as the percent identity and is calculated as follows: (Identical Deoxyribonucleotides×100)/(Length of Alignment−Total Number of Gaps in Alignment)

Subsequence: The term “subsequence” means a polynucleotide having one or more (e.g., several) nucleotides absent from the 5′ and/or 3′ end of a mature polypeptide coding sequence; wherein the subsequence encodes a fragment having pullulanase activity.

Variant: The term “variant” means a polypeptide having pullulanase activity comprising an alteration, i.e., a substitution, insertion, and/or deletion, at one or more (e.g., several) positions. A substitution means replacement of the amino acid occupying a position with a different amino acid; a deletion means removal of the amino acid occupying a position; and an insertion means adding an amino acid adjacent to and immediately following the amino acid occupying a position. The variants of the present invention have increased thermo-activity compared to the parent enzyme.

In particular the pullulanase variants of the invention have at least 60% relative activity when measured at 70° C. relative to activity at 65° C., more particularly at least 70%, more particularly at least 80%, more particularly at least 90%, more particularly at least 100% when comparing variants of SEQ ID NO: 3.

In particular the pullulanase variants of the invention have at least 30% relative activity when measured at 70° C. relative to activity at 65° C., more particularly at least 40%, more particularly at least 50%, more particularly at least 60%, more particularly at least 70%, more particularly at least 80%, more particularly at least 90%, more particularly at least 100% when comparing variants of SEQ ID NO: 6.

In particular the pullulanase variants of the invention have at least 30% relative activity when measured at 70° C. relative to activity at 65° C., more particularly at least 40%, more particularly at least 50%, more particularly at least 60%, more particularly at least 70%, more particularly at least 80%, more particularly at least 90%, more particularly at least 100% when comparing variants of SEQ ID NO: 9.

In particular the pullulanase variants of the invention have at least 30% relative activity when measured at 70° C. relative to activity at 65° C., more particularly at least 40%, more particularly at least 50%, more particularly at least 60%, more particularly at least 70%, more particularly at least 80%, more particularly at least 90%, more particularly at least 100% when comparing variants of SEQ ID NO: 16.

In particular the pullulanase variants of the invention have at least 30% relative activity when measured at 70° C. relative to activity at 65° C., more particularly at least 40%, more particularly at least 50%, more particularly at least 60%, more particularly at least 70%, more particularly at least 80%, more particularly at least 90%, more particularly at least 100% when comparing variants of SEQ ID NO: 17.

Very high stringency conditions: The term “very high stringency conditions” means for probes of at least 100 nucleotides in length, prehybridization and hybridization at 42° C. in 5×SSPE, 0.3% SDS, 200 micrograms/ml sheared and denatured salmon sperm DNA, and 50% formamide, following standard Southern blotting procedures for 12 to 24 hours. The carrier material is finally washed three times each for 15 minutes using 2×SSC, 0.2% SDS at 70° C.

Very low stringency conditions: The term “very low stringency conditions” means for probes of at least 100 nucleotides in length, prehybridization and hybridization at 42° C. in 5×SSPE, 0.3% SDS, 200 micrograms/ml sheared and denatured salmon sperm DNA, and 25% formamide, following standard Southern blotting procedures for 12 to 24 hours. The carrier material is finally washed three times each for 15 minutes using 2×SSC, 0.2% SDS at 45° C.

Wild-type Pullulanase: The term “wild-type” pullulanase means a pullulanase expressed by a naturally occurring microorganism, such as a bacterium, yeast, or filamentous fungus found in nature.

Conventions for Designation of Variants

For purposes of the present invention, the mature polypeptide comprised in SEQ ID NO: 2 is used to determine the corresponding amino acid residue in another pullulanase. In one embodiment, the mature polypeptide is disclosed as SED ID NO: 3. The amino acid sequence of another pullulanase is aligned with the mature polypeptide disclosed as SEQ ID NO: 3, and based on the alignment, the amino acid position number corresponding to any amino acid residue in the mature polypeptide disclosed as SEQ ID NO: 3 is determined using the Needleman-Wunsch algorithm (Needleman and Wunsch, 1970, J. Mol. Biol. 48: 443-453) as implemented in the Needle program of the EMBOSS package (EMBOSS: The European Molecular Biology Open Software Suite, Rice et al., 2000, Trends Genet. 16: 276-277), preferably version 5.0.0 or later. The parameters used are gap open penalty of 10, gap extension penalty of 0.5, and the EBLOSUM62 (EMBOSS version of BLOSUM62) substitution matrix.

Identification of the corresponding amino acid residue in another pullulanase can be determined by an alignment of multiple polypeptide sequences using several computer programs including, but not limited to, MUSCLE (multiple sequence comparison by log-expectation; version 3.5 or later; Edgar, 2004, Nucleic Acids Research 32: 1792-1797), MAFFT (version 6.857 or later; Katoh and Kuma, 2002, Nucleic Acids Research 30: 3059-3066; Katoh et al., 2005, Nucleic Acids Research 33: 511-518; Katoh and Toh, 2007, Bioinformatics 23: 372-374; Katoh et al., 2009, Methods in Molecular Biology 537: 39-64; Katoh and Toh, 2010, Bioinformatics 26: 1899-1900), and EMBOSS EMMA employing ClustalW (1.83 or later; Thompson et al., 1994, Nucleic Acids Research 22: 4673-4680), using their respective default parameters.

When the other enzyme has diverged from the mature polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 2 such that traditional sequence-based comparison fails to detect their relationship (Lindahl and Elofsson, 2000, J. Mol. Biol. 295: 613-615), other pairwise sequence comparison algorithms can be used. Greater sensitivity in sequence-based searching can be attained using search programs that utilize probabilistic representations of polypeptide families (profiles) to search databases. For example, the PSI-BLAST program generates profiles through an iterative database search process and is capable of detecting remote homologs (Atschul et al., 1997, Nucleic Acids Res. 25: 3389-3402). Even greater sensitivity can be achieved if the family or superfamily for the polypeptide has one or more representatives in the protein structure databases. Programs such as GenTHREADER (Jones, 1999, J. Mol. Biol. 287: 797-815; McGuffin and Jones, 2003, Bioinformatics 19: 874-881) utilize information from a variety of sources (PSI-BLAST, secondary structure prediction, structural alignment profiles, and solvation potentials) as input to a neural network that predicts the structural fold for a query sequence. Similarly, the method of Gough et al., 2000, J. Mol. Biol. 313: 903-919, can be used to align a sequence of unknown structure with the superfamily models present in the SCOP database. These alignments can in turn be used to generate homology models for the polypeptide, and such models can be assessed for accuracy using a variety of tools developed for that purpose.

For proteins of known structure, several tools and resources are available for retrieving and generating structural alignments. For example the SCOP superfamilies of proteins have been structurally aligned, and those alignments are accessible and downloadable. Two or more protein structures can be aligned using a variety of algorithms such as the distance alignment matrix (Holm and Sander, 1998, Proteins 33: 88-96) or combinatorial extension (Shindyalov and Bourne, 1998, Protein Engineering 11: 739-747), and implementation of these algorithms can additionally be utilized to query structure databases with a structure of interest in order to discover possible structural homologs (e.g., Holm and Park, 2000, Bioinformatics 16: 566-567).

In describing the variants of the present invention, the nomenclature described below is adapted for ease of reference. The accepted IUPAC single letter or three letter amino acid abbreviations are employed.

Substitutions. For an amino acid substitution, the following nomenclature is used: Original amino acid, position, substituted amino acid. Accordingly, the substitution of threonine at position 226 with alanine is designated as “Thr226Ala” or “T226A”. Multiple mutations are separated by addition marks (“+”), e.g., “Gly205Arg+Ser411Phe” or “G205R+S411F”, representing substitutions at positions 205 and 411 of glycine (G) with arginine (R) and serine (S) with phenylalanine (F), respectively.

Deletions. For an amino acid deletion, the following nomenclature is used: Original amino acid, position, *. Accordingly, the deletion of glycine at position 195 is designated as “Gly195*” or “G195*”. Multiple deletions are separated by addition marks (“+”), e.g., “Gly195*+Ser411*” or “G195*+S411*”.

Insertions. For an amino acid insertion, the following nomenclature is used: Original amino acid, position, original amino acid, inserted amino acid. Accordingly the insertion of lysine after glycine at position 195 is designated “Gly195GlyLys” or “G195GK”. An insertion of multiple amino acids is designated [Original amino acid, position, original amino acid, inserted amino acid #1, inserted amino acid #2; etc.]. For example, the insertion of lysine and alanine after glycine at position 195 is indicated as “Gly195GlyLysAla” or “G195GKA”.

In such cases the inserted amino acid residue(s) are numbered by the addition of lower case letters to the position number of the amino acid residue preceding the inserted amino acid residue(s). In the above example, the sequence would thus be:

Parent: Variant: 195 195 195a 195b G G - K - A

Multiple alterations. Variants comprising multiple alterations are separated by addition marks (“+”), e.g., “Arg170Tyr+Gly195Glu” or “R170Y+G195E” representing a substitution of arginine and glycine at positions 170 and 195 with tyrosine and glutamic acid, respectively.

Different alterations. Where different alterations can be introduced at a position, the different alterations are separated by a comma, e.g., “Arg170Tyr,Glu” represents a substitution of arginine at position 170 with tyrosine or glutamic acid. Thus, “Tyr167Gly,Ala+Arg170Gly,Ala” designates the following variants:

-   “Tyr167Gly+Arg170Gly”, “Tyr167Gly+Arg170Ala”, “Tyr167Ala+Arg170Gly”,     and “Tyr167Ala+Arg170Ala”.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to variant pullulanases derived from a hybrid parent pullulanase. The hybrid parent pullulanase is the subject of the copending EP patent application 13176791.5 filed on Jul. 17, 2013. The parent pullulanase, denoted P8, is a hybrid enzyme obtained by combining an N-terminal fragment of the pullulanase derived from Bacillus acidopullullyticus described in WO 2009/075682 (SEQ ID NO: 4 in WO2009/075682; GENESEQP: AXB71624), fused to a C-terminal fragment of a pullulanase derived from a Bacillus deramificans strain isolated from a humus sample collected in Denmark (a homologous pullulanase from Bacillus deramificans was disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,074,854 and 5,817,498). The resulting hybrid parent pullulanase is disclosed herein as SEQ ID NO: 2, and the mature pullulanase as SEQ ID NO: 3.

The variants according to the present invention have improved properties compared to the parent. The improved properties are selected from increased thermo-activity or increased specific activity on maltodextrin. In one embodiment the variants of the invention have increased thermoactivity. The positions to be substituted in order to obtain increased thermo-activity will be described in detail below. In addition to the effect observed when substituting any of the disclosed positions in the parent pullulanase (the hybrid enzyme denoted as P8 or P008, and disclosed herein as SEQ ID NO: 3) some positions have also been tested for alternative hybrids or wild type pullulanases. Two such alternative hybrid pullulanases are disclosed herein as SEQ ID NO: 16 and SEQ ID NO: 17. For more details on these specific constructs see the example section herein. The results support the finding that the in particular substitutions performed in the catalytic domain can be introduced at the corresponding positions in other pullulanases, wild type as well as hybrid, and the result will be variant pullulanases having increased thermo-activity. When a specific substitution is tested in a different parent enzyme the starting amino acid present in the parent may be different from the first tested parent. This does not have any effect on the resulting variant. As a general rule the essential feature is the amino acid that will be introduced at a specific position not what was there before the substitution. Thus throughout the specification in many embodiments only the amino acid present after substitution has been given. E.g., 393A means that whatever amino acid present in position 393 should be substituted to A (Ala).

The variants according to the invention comprises one or more substitutions numbered according to the mature polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 2, disclosed herein as SEQ ID NO: 3. Unless otherwise indicated the position numbers referred to for variants disclosed herein refer to numbering in SEQ ID NO: 3.

The present invention relates to pullulanase variant comprising a substitution at one or more positions corresponding to positions 393, 143, 150, 243, 244, 346, 368, 370, 373, 381, 385, 387, 402, 429, 430, 456, 486, 492, 610, 631, 632, 665 and 699 of the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 3 wherein the variant has pullulanase activity; and

a) wherein the variant has at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, or at least 99%, but less than 100% sequence identity to the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 3 and wherein the variant has increased thermoactivity compared to the pullulanase of SEQ ID NO: 3, particularly the variant has at least 60% relative activity when measured at 70° C. relative to activity at 65° C., more particularly at least 65%, more particularly at least 70%, more particularly at least 60%, more particularly at least 75%, more particularly at least 80%, more particularly at least 90%, more particularly at least 100%; or

b) wherein the variant has at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, or at least 99%, but less than 100% sequence identity to the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 6 and wherein the variant has increased thermoactivity compared to the pullulanase of SEQ ID NO: 6, particularly the variant has at least 30% relative activity when measured at 70° C. relative to activity at 65° C., more particularly at least 40%, more particularly at least 50%, more particularly at least 60%, more particularly at least 70%, more particularly at least 80%, more particularly at least 90%, more particularly at least 100%; or

c) wherein the variant has at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, or at least 99%, but less than 100% sequence identity to the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 9 and wherein the variant has increased thermoactivity compared to the pullulanase of SEQ ID NO: 9, particularly the variant has at least 30% relative activity when measured at 70° C. relative to activity at 65° C., more particularly at least 40%, more particularly at least 50%, more particularly at least 60%, more particularly at least 70%, more particularly at least 80%, more particularly at least 90%, more particularly at least 100%; or

d) wherein the variant has at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, or at least 99%, but less than 100% sequence identity to the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 16 and wherein the variant has increased thermoactivity compared to the pullulanase of SEQ ID NO: 16, particularly the variant has at least 30% relative activity when measured at 70° C. relative to activity at 65° C., more particularly at least 40%, more particularly at least 50%, more particularly at least 60%, more particularly at least 70%, more particularly at least 80%, more particularly at least 90%, more particularly at least 100%; or

e) wherein the variant has at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, or at least 99%, but less than 100% sequence identity to the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 17 and wherein the variant has increased thermoactivity compared to the pullulanase of SEQ ID NO: 17, particularly the variant has at least 30% relative activity when measured at 70° C. relative to activity at 65° C., more particularly at least 40%, more particularly at least 50%, more particularly at least 60%, more particularly at least 70%, more particularly at least 80%, more particularly at least 90%, more particularly at least 100%.

Variants

The present invention provides pullulanase variants, comprising a substitution at one or more positions corresponding to positions 393, 143, 150, 243, 244, 345, 346, 368, 370, 373, 381, 382, 385, 387, 402, 429, 430, 431, 432, 456, 486, 492, 610, 624, 631, 632, 665 and 699 of SEQ ID NO: 3 wherein the variant has pullulanase activity and increased thermo-activity.

The variants may further comprise one or more additional alteration at one or more other positions. Such additional alterations may not significantly affect the properties of the variants according to the invention but may change the % identity of the variant compared to SEQ ID NO: 3.

In an embodiment, the variant has sequence identity of at least 75%, at least 80%, at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 91%, at least 92%, at least 93%, at least 94%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, or at least 99%, but less than 100%, to the amino acid sequence of the parent pullulanase.

In another embodiment, the variant has at least at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 91%, at least 92%, at least 93%, at least 94%, at least 95%, such as at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, or at least 99%, but less than 100%, sequence identity to the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 3. In one aspect, the number of alterations in the variants of the present invention is 1-20, e.g., 1-10 and 1-5 such as 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 or 10 alterations.

In another embodiment, the variant has at least at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 91%, at least 92%, at least 93%, at least 94%, at least 95%, such as at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, or at least 99%, but less than 100%, sequence identity to the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 6. In one aspect, the number of alterations in the variants of the present invention is 1-20, e.g., 1-10 and 1-5 such as 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 or 10 alterations.

In another embodiment, the variant has at least at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 91%, at least 92%, at least 93%, at least 94%, at least 95%, such as at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, or at least 99%, but less than 100%, sequence identity to the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 9. In one aspect, the number of alterations in the variants of the present invention is 1-20, e.g., 1-10 and 1-5 such as 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 or 10 alterations.

In another embodiment, the variant has at least at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 91%, at least 92%, at least 93%, at least 94%, at least 95%, such as at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, or at least 99%, but less than 100%, sequence identity to the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 16. In one aspect, the number of alterations in the variants of the present invention is 1-20, e.g., 1-10 and 1-5 such as 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 or 10 alterations.

In another embodiment, the variant has at least at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 91%, at least 92%, at least 93%, at least 94%, at least 95%, such as at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, or at least 99%, but less than 100%, sequence identity to the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 17. In one aspect, the number of alterations in the variants of the present invention is 1-20, e.g., 1-10 and 1-5 such as 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 or 10 alterations.

In a particular embodiment the present invention relates to pullulanase variant comprising a substitution at one or more positions corresponding to positions 393, 143, 150, 243, 244, 346, 368, 370, 373, 381, 385, 387, 402, 429, 430, 456, 486, 492, 610, 631, 632, 665 and 699 of the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 3 wherein the variant has pullulanase activity; and;

a) wherein the variant has at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, or at least 99%, but less than 100% sequence identity to the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 3 and wherein the variant has increased thermoactivity compared to the pullulanase of SEQ ID NO: 3, particularly the variant has at least 60% relative activity when measured at 70° C. relative to activity at 65° C., more particularly at least 65%, more particularly at least 70%, more particularly at least 60%, more particularly at least 75%, more particularly at least 80%, more particularly at least 90%, more particularly at least 100%; or

b) wherein the variant has at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, or at least 99%, but less than 100% sequence identity to the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 6 and wherein the variant has increased thermoactivity compared to the pullulanase of SEQ ID NO: 6, particularly the variant has at least 30% relative activity when measured at 70° C. relative to activity at 65° C., more particularly at least 40%, more particularly at least 50%, more particularly at least 60%, more particularly at least 70%, more particularly at least 80%, more particularly at least 90%, more particularly at least 100%; or

c) wherein the variant has at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, or at least 99%, but less than 100% sequence identity to the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 9 and wherein the variant has increased thermoactivity compared to the pullulanase of SEQ ID NO: 9, particularly the variant has at least 30% relative activity when measured at 70° C. relative to activity at 65° C., more particularly at least 40%, more particularly at least 50%, more particularly at least 60%, more particularly at least 70%, more particularly at least 80%, more particularly at least 90%, more particularly at least 100%; or

d) wherein the variant has at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, or at least 99%, but less than 100% sequence identity to the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 16 and wherein the variant has increased thermoactivity compared to the pullulanase of SEQ ID NO: 16, particularly the variant has at least 30% relative activity when measured at 70° C. relative to activity at 65° C., more particularly at least 40%, more particularly at least 50%, more particularly at least 60%, more particularly at least 70%, more particularly at least 80%, more particularly at least 90%, more particularly at least 100%; or

e) wherein the variant has at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, or at least 99%, but less than 100% sequence identity to the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 17 and wherein the variant has increased thermoactivity compared to the pullulanase of SEQ ID NO: 17, particularly the variant has at least 30% relative activity when measured at 70° C. relative to activity at 65° C., more particularly at least 40%, more particularly at least 50%, more particularly at least 60%, more particularly at least 70%, more particularly at least 80%, more particularly at least 90%, more particularly at least 100%.

In another aspect, a variant comprises a substitution at two or more positions corresponding to positions 393, 143, 150, 243, 244, 346, 368, 370, 373, 381, 385, 387, 402, 429, 430, 456, 486, 492, 610, 624, 631, 632, 665 and 699 of the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 3 wherein the variant has pullulanase activity; and

a) wherein the variant has at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, or at least 99%, but less than 100% sequence identity to the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 3 and wherein the variant has increased thermoactivity compared to the pullulanase of SEQ ID NO: 3, particularly the variant has at least 60% relative activity when measured at 70° C. relative to activity at 65° C., more particularly at least 65%, more particularly at least 70%, more particularly at least 60%, more particularly at least 75%, more particularly at least 80%, more particularly at least 90%, more particularly at least 100%; or

b) wherein the variant has at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, or at least 99%, but less than 100% sequence identity to the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 6 and wherein the variant has increased thermoactivity compared to the pullulanase of SEQ ID NO: 6, particularly the variant has at least 30% relative activity when measured at 70° C. relative to activity at 65° C., more particularly at least 40%, more particularly at least 50%, more particularly at least 60%, more particularly at least 70%, more particularly at least 80%, more particularly at least 90%, more particularly at least 100%; or

c) wherein the variant has at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, or at least 99%, but less than 100% sequence identity to the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 9 and wherein the variant has increased thermoactivity compared to the pullulanase of SEQ ID NO: 9, particularly the variant has at least 30% relative activity when measured at 70° C. relative to activity at 65° C., more particularly at least 40%, more particularly at least 50%, more particularly at least 60%, more particularly at least 70%, more particularly at least 80%, more particularly at least 90%, more particularly at least 100%; or

d) wherein the variant has at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, or at least 99%, but less than 100% sequence identity to the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 16 and wherein the variant has increased thermoactivity compared to the pullulanase of SEQ ID NO: 16, particularly the variant has at least 30% relative activity when measured at 70° C. relative to activity at 65° C., more particularly at least 40%, more particularly at least 50%, more particularly at least 60%, more particularly at least 70%, more particularly at least 80%, more particularly at least 90%, more particularly at least 100%; or

e) wherein the variant has at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, or at least 99%, but less than 100% sequence identity to the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 17 and wherein the variant has increased thermoactivity compared to the pullulanase of SEQ ID NO: 17, particularly the variant has at least 30% relative activity when measured at 70° C. relative to activity at 65° C., more particularly at least 40%, more particularly at least 50%, more particularly at least 60%, more particularly at least 70%, more particularly at least 80%, more particularly at least 90%, more particularly at least 100%.

In another aspect, a variant comprises a substitution at three or more positions corresponding to positions 393, 143, 150, 243, 244, 346, 368, 370, 373, 381, 385, 387, 402, 429, 430, 431, 456, 486, 492, 610, 624, 631, 632, 665 and 699 of the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 3 wherein the variant has pullulanase activity; and

a) wherein the variant has at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, or at least 99%, but less than 100% sequence identity to the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 3 and wherein the variant has increased thermoactivity compared to the pullulanase of SEQ ID NO: 3, particularly the variant has at least 60% relative activity when measured at 70° C. relative to activity at 65° C., more particularly at least 65%, more particularly at least 70%, more particularly at least 60%, more particularly at least 75%, more particularly at least 80%, more particularly at least 90%, more particularly at least 100%; or

b) wherein the variant has at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, or at least 99%, but less than 100% sequence identity to the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 6 and wherein the variant has increased thermoactivity compared to the pullulanase of SEQ ID NO: 6, particularly the variant has at least 30% relative activity when measured at 70° C. relative to activity at 65° C., more particularly at least 40%, more particularly at least 50%, more particularly at least 60%, more particularly at least 70%, more particularly at least 80%, more particularly at least 90%, more particularly at least 100%; or

c) wherein the variant has at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, or at least 99%, but less than 100% sequence identity to the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 9 and wherein the variant has increased thermoactivity compared to the pullulanase of SEQ ID NO: 9, particularly the variant has at least 30% relative activity when measured at 70° C. relative to activity at 65° C., more particularly at least 40%, more particularly at least 50%, more particularly at least 60%, more particularly at least 70%, more particularly at least 80%, more particularly at least 90%, more particularly at least 100%; or

d) wherein the variant has at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, or at least 99%, but less than 100% sequence identity to the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 16 and wherein the variant has increased thermoactivity compared to the pullulanase of SEQ ID NO: 16, particularly the variant has at least 30% relative activity when measured at 70° C. relative to activity at 65° C., more particularly at least 40%, more particularly at least 50%, more particularly at least 60%, more particularly at least 70%, more particularly at least 80%, more particularly at least 90%, more particularly at least 100%; or

e) wherein the variant has at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, or at least 99%, but less than 100% sequence identity to the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 17 and wherein the variant has increased thermoactivity compared to the pullulanase of SEQ ID NO: 17, particularly the variant has at least 30% relative activity when measured at 70° C. relative to activity at 65° C., more particularly at least 40%, more particularly at least 50%, more particularly at least 60%, more particularly at least 70%, more particularly at least 80%, more particularly at least 90%, more particularly at least 100%.

In another aspect, a variant comprises a substitution at four or more positions corresponding to positions 393, 143, 150, 243, 244, 346, 368, 370, 373, 381, 385, 387, 402, 429, 430, 431, 432, 456, 486, 492, 610, 624, 631, 632, 665 and 699 of the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 3 wherein the variant has pullulanase activity; and

a) wherein the variant has at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, or at least 99%, but less than 100% sequence identity to the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 3 and wherein the variant has increased thermoactivity compared to the pullulanase of SEQ ID NO: 3, particularly the variant has at least 60% relative activity when measured at 70° C. relative to activity at 65° C., more particularly at least 65%, more particularly at least 70%, more particularly at least 60%, more particularly at least 75%, more particularly at least 80%, more particularly at least 90%, more particularly at least 100%; or

b) wherein the variant has at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, or at least 99%, but less than 100% sequence identity to the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 6 and wherein the variant has increased thermoactivity compared to the pullulanase of SEQ ID NO: 6, particularly the variant has at least 30% relative activity when measured at 70° C. relative to activity at 65° C., more particularly at least 40%, more particularly at least 50%, more particularly at least 60%, more particularly at least 70%, more particularly at least 80%, more particularly at least 90%, more particularly at least 100%; or

c) wherein the variant has at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, or at least 99%, but less than 100% sequence identity to the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 9 and wherein the variant has increased thermoactivity compared to the pullulanase of SEQ ID NO: 9, particularly the variant has at least 30% relative activity when measured at 70° C. relative to activity at 65° C., more particularly at least 40%, more particularly at least 50%, more particularly at least 60%, more particularly at least 70%, more particularly at least 80%, more particularly at least 90%, more particularly at least 100%; or

d) wherein the variant has at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, or at least 99%, but less than 100% sequence identity to the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 16 and wherein the variant has increased thermoactivity compared to the pullulanase of SEQ ID NO: 16, particularly the variant has at least 30% relative activity when measured at 70° C. relative to activity at 65° C., more particularly at least 40%, more particularly at least 50%, more particularly at least 60%, more particularly at least 70%, more particularly at least 80%, more particularly at least 90%, more particularly at least 100%; or

e) wherein the variant has at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, or at least 99%, but less than 100% sequence identity to the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 17 and wherein the variant has increased thermoactivity compared to the pullulanase of SEQ ID NO: 17, particularly the variant has at least 30% relative activity when measured at 70° C. relative to activity at 65° C., more particularly at least 40%, more particularly at least 50%, more particularly at least 60%, more particularly at least 70%, more particularly at least 80%, more particularly at least 90%, more particularly at least 100%.

In another aspect, a variant comprises a substitution at five or more positions corresponding to positions 393, 143, 150, 243, 244, 345, 346, 368, 370, 373, 381, 385, 387, 402, 429, 430, 431, 432, 456, 486, 492, 610, 624, 631, 632, 665 and 699 of the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 3 wherein the variant has pullulanase activity, and

a) wherein the variant has at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, or at least 99%, but less than 100% sequence identity to the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 3 and wherein the variant has increased thermoactivity compared to the pullulanase of SEQ ID NO: 3, particularly the variant has at least 60% relative activity when measured at 70° C. relative to activity at 65° C., more particularly at least 65%, more particularly at least 70%, more particularly at least 60%, more particularly at least 75%, more particularly at least 80%, more particularly at least 90%, more particularly at least 100%; or

b) wherein the variant has at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, or at least 99%, but less than 100% sequence identity to the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 6 and wherein the variant has increased thermoactivity compared to the pullulanase of SEQ ID NO: 6, particularly the variant has at least 30% relative activity when measured at 70° C. relative to activity at 65° C., more particularly at least 40%, more particularly at least 50%, more particularly at least 60%, more particularly at least 70%, more particularly at least 80%, more particularly at least 90%, more particularly at least 100%; or

c) wherein the variant has at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, or at least 99%, but less than 100% sequence identity to the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 9 and wherein the variant has increased thermoactivity compared to the pullulanase of SEQ ID NO: 9, particularly the variant has at least 30% relative activity when measured at 70° C. relative to activity at 65° C., more particularly at least 40%, more particularly at least 50%, more particularly at least 60%, more particularly at least 70%, more particularly at least 80%, more particularly at least 90%, more particularly at least 100%; or

d) wherein the variant has at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, or at least 99%, but less than 100% sequence identity to the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 16 and wherein the variant has increased thermoactivity compared to the pullulanase of SEQ ID NO: 16, particularly the variant has at least 30% relative activity when measured at 70° C. relative to activity at 65° C., more particularly at least 40%, more particularly at least 50%, more particularly at least 60%, more particularly at least 70%, more particularly at least 80%, more particularly at least 90%, more particularly at least 100%; or

e) wherein the variant has at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, or at least 99%, but less than 100% sequence identity to the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 17 and wherein the variant has increased thermoactivity compared to the pullulanase of SEQ ID NO: 17, particularly the variant has at least 30% relative activity when measured at 70° C. relative to activity at 65° C., more particularly at least 40%, more particularly at least 50%, more particularly at least 60%, more particularly at least 70%, more particularly at least 80%, more particularly at least 90%, more particularly at least 100%.

In another aspect, a variant comprises a substitution at six or more positions corresponding to positions 393, 143, 150, 243, 244, 345, 346, 368, 370, 373, 381, 382, 385, 387, 402, 429, 430, 431, 432, 456, 486, 492, 610, 624, 631, 632, 665 and 699.

In another aspect, a variant comprises a substitution at one position corresponding to positions 393, 143, 150, 243, 244, 346, 368, 456, 492, 610, 624, or 699 of the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 3 wherein the variant has pullulanase activity, and

a) wherein the variant has at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, or at least 99%, but less than 100% sequence identity to the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 3 and wherein the variant has increased thermoactivity compared to the pullulanase of SEQ ID NO: 3, particularly the variant has at least 60% relative activity when measured at 70° C. relative to activity at 65° C., more particularly at least 65%, more particularly at least 70%, more particularly at least 60%, more particularly at least 75%, more particularly at least 80%, more particularly at least 90%, more particularly at least 100%; or

b) wherein the variant has at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, or at least 99%, but less than 100% sequence identity to the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 6 and wherein the variant has increased thermoactivity compared to the pullulanase of SEQ ID NO: 6, particularly the variant has at least 30% relative activity when measured at 70° C. relative to activity at 65° C., more particularly at least 40%, more particularly at least 50%, more particularly at least 60%, more particularly at least 70%, more particularly at least 80%, more particularly at least 90%, more particularly at least 100%; or

c) wherein the variant has at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, or at least 99%, but less than 100% sequence identity to the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 9 and wherein the variant has increased thermoactivity compared to the pullulanase of SEQ ID NO: 9, particularly the variant has at least 30% relative activity when measured at 70° C. relative to activity at 65° C., more particularly at least 40%, more particularly at least 50%, more particularly at least 60%, more particularly at least 70%, more particularly at least 80%, more particularly at least 90%, more particularly at least 100%; or

d) wherein the variant has at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, or at least 99%, but less than 100% sequence identity to the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 16 and wherein the variant has increased thermoactivity compared to the pullulanase of SEQ ID NO: 16, particularly the variant has at least 30% relative activity when measured at 70° C. relative to activity at 65° C., more particularly at least 40%, more particularly at least 50%, more particularly at least 60%, more particularly at least 70%, more particularly at least 80%, more particularly at least 90%, more particularly at least 100%; or

e) wherein the variant has at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, or at least 99%, but less than 100% sequence identity to the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 17 and wherein the variant has increased thermoactivity compared to the pullulanase of SEQ ID NO: 17, particularly the variant has at least 30% relative activity when measured at 70° C. relative to activity at 65° C., more particularly at least 40%, more particularly at least 50%, more particularly at least 60%, more particularly at least 70%, more particularly at least 80%, more particularly at least 90%, more particularly at least 100%.

In another aspect, the variant comprises or consists of a substitution at a position corresponding to position 393. In another aspect, the amino acid at a position corresponding to position 393 is substituted with Ala, Arg, Asp, Cyt, Glu, Gln, Gly, His, Ile, Leu, Lys, Met, Phe, Pro, Ser, Thr, Trp, Tyr or Val, preferably with Ala. In another aspect, the variant comprise or consist of the substitution N393A of the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 3.

In another aspect, the variant comprises or consists of a substitution at a position corresponding to position 143. In another aspect, the amino acid at a position corresponding to position 143 is substituted with Ala, Arg, Asn, Asp, Cys, Glu, Gln, Gly, His, Ile, Leu, Lys, Met, Phe, Pro, Ser, Thr, Trp or Tyr, preferably with Gly. In another aspect, the variant comprise or consist of the substitution V143G of the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 3.

In another aspect, the variant comprises or consists of a substitution at a position corresponding to position 150. In another aspect, the amino acid at a position corresponding to position 150 is substituted with Ala, Arg, Asn, Asp, Cys, Gln, Gly, His, Ile, Leu, Lys, Met, Phe, Pro, Ser, Thr, Trp, Tyr or Val, preferably with Arg. In another aspect, the variant comprise or consist of the substitution E150R of the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 3.

In another aspect, the variant comprises or consists of a substitution at a position corresponding to position 243. In another aspect, the amino acid at a position corresponding to position 243 is substituted with Ala, Arg, Asp, Cys, Glu, Gln, Gly, His, Ile, Leu, Lys, Met, Phe, Pro, Ser, Thr, Trp, Tyr or Val, preferably with Glu. In another aspect, the variant comprise or consist of the substitution N243E of the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 3.

In another aspect, the variant comprises or consists of a substitution at a position corresponding to position 244. In another aspect, the amino acid at a position corresponding to position 244 is substituted with Ala, Arg, Asn, Asp, Cys, Glu, Gln, Gly, His, Ile, Leu, Lys, Met, Phe, Pro, Thr, Trp, Tyr or Val, preferably with Lys. In another aspect, the variant comprise or consist of the substitution S244K of the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 3.

In another aspect, the variant comprises or consists of a substitution at a position corresponding to position 345. In another aspect, the amino acid at a position corresponding to position 346 is substituted with Arg, Asn, Asp, Cys, Glu, Gln, Gly, His, Ile, Leu, Lys, Met, Phe, Pro, Ser, Thr, Trp, Tyr or Val, preferably with Pro. In another aspect, the variant comprise or consist of the substitution A345P of the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 3.

In another aspect, the variant comprises or consists of a substitution at a position corresponding to position 346. In another aspect, the amino acid at a position corresponding to position 346 is substituted with Ala, Arg, Asp, Cys, Glu, Gln, Gly, His, Ile, Leu, Lys, Met, Phe, Pro, Ser, Thr, Trp, Tyr or Val, preferably with Ser. In another aspect, the variant comprise or consist of the substitution N346S of the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 3.

In another aspect, the variant comprises or consists of a substitution at a position corresponding to position 368. In another aspect, the amino acid at a position corresponding to position 368 is substituted with Ala, Arg, Asp, Cys, Glu, Gln, Gly, His, Ile, Leu, Lys, Met, Phe, Pro, Ser, Thr, Trp, Tyr or Val, preferably with Glu. In another aspect, the variant comprise or consist of the substitution N368G of the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 3.

In another aspect, the variant comprises or consists of a substitution at a position corresponding to position 370. In another aspect, the amino acid at a position corresponding to position 370 is substituted with Ala, Arg, Asn, Asp, Cys, Glu, Gln, Gly, His, Ile, Leu, Met, Phe, Pro, Ser, Thr, Trp, Tyr or Val, preferably with Ser. In another aspect, the variant comprise or consist of the substitution K370S of the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 3.

In another aspect, the variant comprises or consists of a substitution at a position corresponding to position 373. In another aspect, the amino acid at a position corresponding to position 373 is substituted with Ala, Arg, Asn, Asp, Cys, Glu, Gln, Gly, His, Leu, Lys, Met, Phe, Pro, Ser, Thr, Trp, Tyr or Val, preferably with Leu. In another aspect, the variant comprise or consist of the substitution I373L of the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 3.

In another aspect, the variant comprises or consists of a substitution at a position corresponding to position 381. In another aspect, the amino acid at a position corresponding to position 381 is substituted with Ala, Arg, Asn, Asp, Cys, Glu, Gln, Gly, His, Leu, Lys, Met, Phe, Pro, Ser, Thr, Trp, Tyr or Val, preferably with Val. In another aspect, the variant comprise or consist of the substitution I381V of the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 3.

In another aspect, the variant comprises or consists of a substitution at a position corresponding to position 382. In another aspect, the amino acid at a position corresponding to position 382 is substituted with Ala, Arg, Asp, Cys, Glu, Gln, Gly, His, Ile, Leu, Lys, Met, Phe, Pro, Ser, Thr, Trp, Tyr or Val, preferably with Thr. In another aspect, the variant comprise or consist of the substitution N382T of the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 3.

In another aspect, the variant comprises or consists of a substitution at a position corresponding to position 385. In another aspect, the amino acid at a position corresponding to position 385 is substituted with Ala, Arg, Asn, Asp, Cys, Glu, Gly, His, Ile, Leu, Lys, Met, Phe, Pro, Ser, Thr, Trp, Tyr or Val, preferably with Glu. In another aspect, the variant comprise or consist of the substitution Q385E of the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 3.

In another aspect, the variant comprises or consists of a substitution at a position corresponding to position 387. In another aspect, the amino acid at a position corresponding to position 387 is substituted with Ala, Arg, Asn, Asp, Cys, Glu, Gly, His, Ile, Leu, Lys, Met, Phe, Pro, Ser, Thr, Trp, Tyr or Val, preferably with Leu. In another aspect, the variant comprise or consist of the substitution Q387L of the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 3.

In another aspect, the variant comprises or consists of a substitution at a position corresponding to position 402. In another aspect, the amino acid at a position corresponding to position 402 is substituted with Ala, Arg, Asn, Asp, Cys, Glu, Gln, Gly, His, Ile, Leu, Lys, Phe, Pro, Ser, Thr, Trp, Tyr or Val, preferably with Thr. In another aspect, the variant comprise or consist of the substitution M402T of the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 3.

In another aspect, the variant comprises or consists of a substitution at a position corresponding to position 429. In another aspect, the amino acid at a position corresponding to position 429 is substituted with Ala, Arg, Asn, Asp, Cys, Glu, Gln, Gly, His, Leu, Lys, Met, Phe, Pro, Ser, Thr, Trp, Tyr or Val, preferably with Val. In another aspect, the variant comprise or consist of the substitution I429V of the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 3.

In another aspect, the variant comprises or consists of a substitution at a position corresponding to position 430. In another aspect, the amino acid at a position corresponding to position 430 is substituted with Ala, Arg, Asn, Asp, Cys, Glu, Gln, Gly, His, Ile, Leu, Lys, Met, Phe, Pro, Ser, Trp, Tyr or Val, preferably with Arg. In another aspect, the variant comprise or consist of the substitution T430R of the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 3.

In another aspect, the variant comprises or consists of a substitution at a position corresponding to position 431. In another aspect, the amino acid at a position corresponding to position 431 is substituted with Ala, Arg, Asn, Asp, Cys, Glu, Gly, His, Ile, Leu, Lys, Met, Phe, Pro, Ser, Thr, Trp, Tyr or Val, preferably with Glutamic Acid. In another aspect, the variant comprise or consist of the substitution Q431E of the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 3.

In another aspect, the variant comprises or consists of a substitution at a position corresponding to position 432. In another aspect, the amino acid at a position corresponding to position 432 is substituted with Ala, Arg, Asn, Asp, Cys, Glu, Gln, Gly, His, Ile, Lys, Met, Phe, Pro, Ser, Thr, Trp, Tyr or Val, preferably with Phe. In another aspect, the variant comprise or consist of the substitution L432F of the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 3.

In another aspect, the variant comprises or consists of a substitution at a position corresponding to position 456. In another aspect, the amino acid at a position corresponding to position 456 is substituted with Ala, Arg, Asn, Asp, Cys, Glu, Gln, Gly, His, Ile, Leu, Lys, Met, Pro, Ser, Thr, Trp, Tyr or Val, preferably with Ala. In another aspect, the variant comprise or consist of the substitution F456A of the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 3.

In another aspect, the variant comprises or consists of a substitution at a position corresponding to position 486. In another aspect, the amino acid at a position corresponding to position 486 is substituted with Ala, Arg, Asn, Asp, Cys, Glu, Gln, Gly, His, Ile, Leu, Lys, Met, Phe, Pro, Ser, Thr, Trp or Tyr, preferably with Cys. In another aspect, the variant comprise or consist of the substitution V4860 of the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 3.

In another aspect, the variant comprises or consists of a substitution at a position corresponding to position 492. In another aspect, the amino acid at a position corresponding to position 492 is substituted with Ala, Arg, Asn, Asp, Cys, Glu, Gln, Gly, His, Ile, Leu, Lys, Met, Phe, Pro, Ser, Trp, Tyr or Val, preferably with Ser or Ala. In another aspect, the variant comprise or consist of the substitution T492S,A of the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 3.

In another aspect, the variant comprises or consists of a substitution at a position corresponding to position 610. In another aspect, the amino acid at a position corresponding to position 610 is substituted with Ala, Arg, Asp, Cys, Glu, Gln, Gly, His, Ile, Leu, Lys, Met, Phe, Pro, Ser, Thr, Trp, Tyr or Val, preferably with Leu or Arginine. In another aspect, the variant comprise or consist of the substitution N610L or N610R of the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 3.

In another aspect, the variant comprises or consists of a substitution at a position corresponding to position 624. In another aspect, the amino acid at a position corresponding to position 624 is substituted with Ala, Arg, Asn, Asp, Cys, Glu, Gln, His, Ile, Leu, Lys, Met, Phe, Pro, Ser, Thr, Trp, Tyr or Val, preferably with Ser. In another aspect, the variant comprise or consist of the substitution G624S of the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 3.

In another aspect, the variant comprises or consists of a substitution at a position corresponding to position 631. In another aspect, the amino acid at a position corresponding to position 631 is substituted with Ala, Arg, Asn, Asp, Cys, Glu, Gln, Gly, His, Ile, Leu, Lys, Met, Phe, Pro, Ser, Trp, Tyr or Val, preferably with Ser. In another aspect, the variant comprise or consist of the substitution T631S of the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 3.

In another aspect, the variant comprises or consists of a substitution at a position corresponding to position 632. In another aspect, the amino acid at a position corresponding to position 632 is substituted with Ala, Arg, Asn, Asp, Cys, Glu, Gln, Gly, His, Ile, Leu, Lys, Met, Phe, Pro, Thr, Trp, Tyr or Val, preferably with Cys. In another aspect, the variant comprise or consist of the substitution S632C of the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 3.

In another aspect, the variant comprises or consists of a substitution at a position corresponding to position 665. In another aspect, the amino acid at a position corresponding to position 665 is substituted with Ala, Arg, Asn, Asp, Cys, Glu, Gln, Gly, His, Ile, Leu, Lys, Met, Phe, Pro, Ser, Thr, Trp or Tyr, preferably with Ile. In another aspect, the variant comprise or consist of the substitution V665I of the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 3.

In another aspect, the variant comprises or consists of a substitution at a position corresponding to position 699. In another aspect, the amino acid at a position corresponding to position 699 is substituted with Ala, Arg, Asn, Asp, Cys, Gln, Gly, His, Ile, Leu, Lys, Met, Phe, Pro, Ser, Thr, Trp, Tyr, Val, preferably with Arg. In another aspect, the variant comprise or consist of the substitution E699R of the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 3.

In another aspect, the variant comprises or consists of one or more substitutions selected from the group consisting of 393A, 143G, 150R, 243E, 244K, 345P, 346S, 368G, 370S, 373L, 381V, 382T, 385F, 387L, 402T, 429V, 430R, 431E, 432F, 456A, 486C, 492S,A, 610R,L, 624S, 631S, 632C, 665I and 699R, wherein position numbering refers to SEQ ID NO: 3. Throughout the present description in many occasions only the specific amino acids that should be present after the substitution is given. This is due to the fact that we have tested and found the substitutions can be introduced in many different parent pullulanase and still result in the same improved effect. The different parent pullulanases will not all have the same amino acid in the same corresponding specific position before substitution. Thus in order to obtain the described effect the essential feature is the specific amino acid present in a specific position after substitution.

In another aspect, the variant comprises or consists of substitutions at positions corresponding to positions 368G and 393A, wherein the variant has pullulanase activity; and

a) wherein the variant has at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, or at least 99%, but less than 100% sequence identity to the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 3 and wherein the variant has increased thermoactivity compared to the pullulanase of SEQ ID NO: 3, particularly the variant has at least 60% relative activity when measured at 70° C. relative to activity at 65° C., more particularly at least 65%, more particularly at least 70%, more particularly at least 60%, more particularly at least 75%, more particularly at least 80%, more particularly at least 90%, more particularly at least 100%; or

b) wherein the variant has at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, or at least 99%, but less than 100% sequence identity to the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 6 and wherein the variant has increased thermoactivity compared to the pullulanase of SEQ ID NO: 6, particularly the variant has at least 30% relative activity when measured at 70° C. relative to activity at 65° C., more particularly at least 40%, more particularly at least 50%, more particularly at least 60%, more particularly at least 70%, more particularly at least 80%, more particularly at least 90%, more particularly at least 100%; or

c) wherein the variant has at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, or at least 99%, but less than 100% sequence identity to the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 9 and wherein the variant has increased thermoactivity compared to the pullulanase of SEQ ID NO: 9, particularly the variant has at least 30% relative activity when measured at 70° C. relative to activity at 65° C., more particularly at least 40%, more particularly at least 50%, more particularly at least 60%, more particularly at least 70%, more particularly at least 80%, more particularly at least 90%, more particularly at least 100%; or

d) wherein the variant has at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, or at least 99%, but less than 100% sequence identity to the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 16 and wherein the variant has increased thermoactivity compared to the pullulanase of SEQ ID NO: 16, particularly the variant has at least 30% relative activity when measured at 70° C. relative to activity at 65° C., more particularly at least 40%, more particularly at least 50%, more particularly at least 60%, more particularly at least 70%, more particularly at least 80%, more particularly at least 90%, more particularly at least 100%; or

e) wherein the variant has at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, or at least 99%, but less than 100% sequence identity to the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 17 and wherein the variant has increased thermoactivity compared to the pullulanase of SEQ ID NO: 17, particularly the variant has at least 30% relative activity when measured at 70° C. relative to activity at 65° C., more particularly at least 40%, more particularly at least 50%, more particularly at least 60%, more particularly at least 70%, more particularly at least 80%, more particularly at least 90%, more particularly at least 100%.

In another aspect, the variant comprises or consists of substitutions at positions corresponding to positions 368G and 431E, wherein the variant has pullulanase activity, and;

a) wherein the variant has at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, or at least 99%, but less than 100% sequence identity to the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 3 and wherein the variant has increased thermoactivity compared to the pullulanase of SEQ ID NO: 3, particularly the variant has at least 60% relative activity when measured at 70° C. relative to activity at 65° C., more particularly at least 65%, more particularly at least 70%, more particularly at least 60%, more particularly at least 75%, more particularly at least 80%, more particularly at least 90%, more particularly at least 100%; or

b) wherein the variant has at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, or at least 99%, but less than 100% sequence identity to the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 6 and wherein the variant has increased thermoactivity compared to the pullulanase of SEQ ID NO: 6, particularly the variant has at least 30% relative activity when measured at 70° C. relative to activity at 65° C., more particularly at least 40%, more particularly at least 50%, more particularly at least 60%, more particularly at least 70%, more particularly at least 80%, more particularly at least 90%, more particularly at least 100%; or

c) wherein the variant has at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, or at least 99%, but less than 100% sequence identity to the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 9 and wherein the variant has increased thermoactivity compared to the pullulanase of SEQ ID NO: 9, particularly the variant has at least 30% relative activity when measured at 70° C. relative to activity at 65° C., more particularly at least 40%, more particularly at least 50%, more particularly at least 60%, more particularly at least 70%, more particularly at least 80%, more particularly at least 90%, more particularly at least 100%; or

d) wherein the variant has at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, or at least 99%, but less than 100% sequence identity to the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 16 and wherein the variant has increased thermoactivity compared to the pullulanase of SEQ ID NO: 16, particularly the variant has at least 30% relative activity when measured at 70° C. relative to activity at 65° C., more particularly at least 40%, more particularly at least 50%, more particularly at least 60%, more particularly at least 70%, more particularly at least 80%, more particularly at least 90%, more particularly at least 100%; or

e) wherein the variant has at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, or at least 99%, but less than 100% sequence identity to the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 17 and wherein the variant has increased thermoactivity compared to the pullulanase of SEQ ID NO: 17, particularly the variant has at least 30% relative activity when measured at 70° C. relative to activity at 65° C., more particularly at least 40%, more particularly at least 50%, more particularly at least 60%, more particularly at least 70%, more particularly at least 80%, more particularly at least 90%, more particularly at least 100%.

In another aspect, the variant comprises or consists of substitutions at positions corresponding to positions 368G and 432F, wherein the variant has pullulanase activity, and;

a) wherein the variant has at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, or at least 99%, but less than 100% sequence identity to the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 3 and wherein the variant has increased thermoactivity compared to the pullulanase of SEQ ID NO: 3, particularly the variant has at least 60% relative activity when measured at 70° C. relative to activity at 65° C., more particularly at least 65%, more particularly at least 70%, more particularly at least 60%, more particularly at least 75%, more particularly at least 80%, more particularly at least 90%, more particularly at least 100%; or

b) wherein the variant has at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, or at least 99%, but less than 100% sequence identity to the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 6 and wherein the variant has increased thermoactivity compared to the pullulanase of SEQ ID NO: 6, particularly the variant has at least 30% relative activity when measured at 70° C. relative to activity at 65° C., more particularly at least 40%, more particularly at least 50%, more particularly at least 60%, more particularly at least 70%, more particularly at least 80%, more particularly at least 90%, more particularly at least 100%; or

c) wherein the variant has at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, or at least 99%, but less than 100% sequence identity to the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 9 and wherein the variant has increased thermoactivity compared to the pullulanase of SEQ ID NO: 9, particularly the variant has at least 30% relative activity when measured at 70° C. relative to activity at 65° C., more particularly at least 40%, more particularly at least 50%, more particularly at least 60%, more particularly at least 70%, more particularly at least 80%, more particularly at least 90%, more particularly at least 100%; or

d) wherein the variant has at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, or at least 99%, but less than 100% sequence identity to the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 16 and wherein the variant has increased thermoactivity compared to the pullulanase of SEQ ID NO: 16, particularly the variant has at least 30% relative activity when measured at 70° C. relative to activity at 65° C., more particularly at least 40%, more particularly at least 50%, more particularly at least 60%, more particularly at least 70%, more particularly at least 80%, more particularly at least 90%, more particularly at least 100%; or

e) wherein the variant has at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, or at least 99%, but less than 100% sequence identity to the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 17 and wherein the variant has increased thermoactivity compared to the pullulanase of SEQ ID NO: 17, particularly the variant has at least 30% relative activity when measured at 70° C. relative to activity at 65° C., more particularly at least 40%, more particularly at least 50%, more particularly at least 60%, more particularly at least 70%, more particularly at least 80%, more particularly at least 90%, more particularly at least 100%.

In another aspect, the variant comprises or consists of substitutions at positions corresponding to positions 368G and 610R, wherein the variant has pullulanase activity, and;

a) wherein the variant has at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, or at least 99%, but less than 100% sequence identity to the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 3 and wherein the variant has increased thermoactivity compared to the pullulanase of SEQ ID NO: 3, particularly the variant has at least 60% relative activity when measured at 70° C. relative to activity at 65° C., more particularly at least 65%, more particularly at least 70%, more particularly at least 60%, more particularly at least 75%, more particularly at least 80%, more particularly at least 90%, more particularly at least 100%; or

b) wherein the variant has at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, or at least 99%, but less than 100% sequence identity to the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 6 and wherein the variant has increased thermoactivity compared to the pullulanase of SEQ ID NO: 6, particularly the variant has at least 30% relative activity when measured at 70° C. relative to activity at 65° C., more particularly at least 40%, more particularly at least 50%, more particularly at least 60%, more particularly at least 70%, more particularly at least 80%, more particularly at least 90%, more particularly at least 100%; or

c) wherein the variant has at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, or at least 99%, but less than 100% sequence identity to the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 9 and wherein the variant has increased thermoactivity compared to the pullulanase of SEQ ID NO: 9, particularly the variant has at least 30% relative activity when measured at 70° C. relative to activity at 65° C., more particularly at least 40%, more particularly at least 50%, more particularly at least 60%, more particularly at least 70%, more particularly at least 80%, more particularly at least 90%, more particularly at least 100%; or

d) wherein the variant has at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, or at least 99%, but less than 100% sequence identity to the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 16 and wherein the variant has increased thermoactivity compared to the pullulanase of SEQ ID NO: 16, particularly the variant has at least 30% relative activity when measured at 70° C. relative to activity at 65° C., more particularly at least 40%, more particularly at least 50%, more particularly at least 60%, more particularly at least 70%, more particularly at least 80%, more particularly at least 90%, more particularly at least 100%; or

e) wherein the variant has at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, or at least 99%, but less than 100% sequence identity to the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 17 and wherein the variant has increased thermoactivity compared to the pullulanase of SEQ ID NO: 17, particularly the variant has at least 30% relative activity when measured at 70° C. relative to activity at 65° C., more particularly at least 40%, more particularly at least 50%, more particularly at least 60%, more particularly at least 70%, more particularly at least 80%, more particularly at least 90%, more particularly at least 100%.

In another aspect, the variant comprises or consists of substitutions at positions corresponding to positions 368G and 624S, wherein the variant has pullulanase activity, and;

a) wherein the variant has at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, or at least 99%, but less than 100% sequence identity to the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 3 and wherein the variant has increased thermoactivity compared to the pullulanase of SEQ ID NO: 3, particularly the variant has at least 60% relative activity when measured at 70° C. relative to activity at 65° C., more particularly at least 65%, more particularly at least 70%, more particularly at least 60%, more particularly at least 75%, more particularly at least 80%, more particularly at least 90%, more particularly at least 100%; or

b) wherein the variant has at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, or at least 99%, but less than 100% sequence identity to the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 6 and wherein the variant has increased thermoactivity compared to the pullulanase of SEQ ID NO: 6, particularly the variant has at least 30% relative activity when measured at 70° C. relative to activity at 65° C., more particularly at least 40%, more particularly at least 50%, more particularly at least 60%, more particularly at least 70%, more particularly at least 80%, more particularly at least 90%, more particularly at least 100%; or

c) wherein the variant has at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, or at least 99%, but less than 100% sequence identity to the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 9 and wherein the variant has increased thermoactivity compared to the pullulanase of SEQ ID NO: 9, particularly the variant has at least 30% relative activity when measured at 70° C. relative to activity at 65° C., more particularly at least 40%, more particularly at least 50%, more particularly at least 60%, more particularly at least 70%, more particularly at least 80%, more particularly at least 90%, more particularly at least 100%; or

d) wherein the variant has at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, or at least 99%, but less than 100% sequence identity to the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 16 and wherein the variant has increased thermoactivity compared to the pullulanase of SEQ ID NO: 16, particularly the variant has at least 30% relative activity when measured at 70° C. relative to activity at 65° C., more particularly at least 40%, more particularly at least 50%, more particularly at least 60%, more particularly at least 70%, more particularly at least 80%, more particularly at least 90%, more particularly at least 100%; or

e) wherein the variant has at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, or at least 99%, but less than 100% sequence identity to the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 17 and wherein the variant has increased thermoactivity compared to the pullulanase of SEQ ID NO: 17, particularly the variant has at least 30% relative activity when measured at 70° C. relative to activity at 65° C., more particularly at least 40%, more particularly at least 50%, more particularly at least 60%, more particularly at least 70%, more particularly at least 80%, more particularly at least 90%, more particularly at least 100%.

In another aspect, the variant comprises or consists of substitutions at positions corresponding to positions and 393A and 431E, wherein the variant has pullulanase activity, and;

a) wherein the variant has at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, or at least 99%, but less than 100% sequence identity to the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 3 and wherein the variant has increased thermoactivity compared to the pullulanase of SEQ ID NO: 3, particularly the variant has at least 60% relative activity when measured at 70° C. relative to activity at 65° C., more particularly at least 65%, more particularly at least 70%, more particularly at least 60%, more particularly at least 75%, more particularly at least 80%, more particularly at least 90%, more particularly at least 100%; or

b) wherein the variant has at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, or at least 99%, but less than 100% sequence identity to the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 6 and wherein the variant has increased thermoactivity compared to the pullulanase of SEQ ID NO: 6, particularly the variant has at least 30% relative activity when measured at 70° C. relative to activity at 65° C., more particularly at least 40%, more particularly at least 50%, more particularly at least 60%, more particularly at least 70%, more particularly at least 80%, more particularly at least 90%, more particularly at least 100%; or

c) wherein the variant has at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, or at least 99%, but less than 100% sequence identity to the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 9 and wherein the variant has increased thermoactivity compared to the pullulanase of SEQ ID NO: 9, particularly the variant has at least 30% relative activity when measured at 70° C. relative to activity at 65° C., more particularly at least 40%, more particularly at least 50%, more particularly at least 60%, more particularly at least 70%, more particularly at least 80%, more particularly at least 90%, more particularly at least 100%; or

d) wherein the variant has at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, or at least 99%, but less than 100% sequence identity to the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 16 and wherein the variant has increased thermoactivity compared to the pullulanase of SEQ ID NO: 16, particularly the variant has at least 30% relative activity when measured at 70° C. relative to activity at 65° C., more particularly at least 40%, more particularly at least 50%, more particularly at least 60%, more particularly at least 70%, more particularly at least 80%, more particularly at least 90%, more particularly at least 100%; or

e) wherein the variant has at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, or at least 99%, but less than 100% sequence identity to the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 17 and wherein the variant has increased thermoactivity compared to the pullulanase of SEQ ID NO: 17, particularly the variant has at least 30% relative activity when measured at 70° C. relative to activity at 65° C., more particularly at least 40%, more particularly at least 50%, more particularly at least 60%, more particularly at least 70%, more particularly at least 80%, more particularly at least 90%, more particularly at least 100%.

In another aspect, the variant comprises or consists of substitutions at positions corresponding to positions 393A and 432F, wherein the variant has pullulanase activity, and;

a) wherein the variant has at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, or at least 99%, but less than 100% sequence identity to the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 3 and wherein the variant has increased thermoactivity compared to the pullulanase of SEQ ID NO: 3, particularly the variant has at least 60% relative activity when measured at 70° C. relative to activity at 65° C., more particularly at least 65%, more particularly at least 70%, more particularly at least 60%, more particularly at least 75%, more particularly at least 80%, more particularly at least 90%, more particularly at least 100%; or

b) wherein the variant has at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, or at least 99%, but less than 100% sequence identity to the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 6 and wherein the variant has increased thermoactivity compared to the pullulanase of SEQ ID NO: 6, particularly the variant has at least 30% relative activity when measured at 70° C. relative to activity at 65° C., more particularly at least 40%, more particularly at least 50%, more particularly at least 60%, more particularly at least 70%, more particularly at least 80%, more particularly at least 90%, more particularly at least 100%; or

c) wherein the variant has at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, or at least 99%, but less than 100% sequence identity to the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 9 and wherein the variant has increased thermoactivity compared to the pullulanase of SEQ ID NO: 9, particularly the variant has at least 30% relative activity when measured at 70° C. relative to activity at 65° C., more particularly at least 40%, more particularly at least 50%, more particularly at least 60%, more particularly at least 70%, more particularly at least 80%, more particularly at least 90%, more particularly at least 100%; or

d) wherein the variant has at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, or at least 99%, but less than 100% sequence identity to the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 16 and wherein the variant has increased thermoactivity compared to the pullulanase of SEQ ID NO: 16, particularly the variant has at least 30% relative activity when measured at 70° C. relative to activity at 65° C., more particularly at least 40%, more particularly at least 50%, more particularly at least 60%, more particularly at least 70%, more particularly at least 80%, more particularly at least 90%, more particularly at least 100%; or

e) wherein the variant has at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, or at least 99%, but less than 100% sequence identity to the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 17 and wherein the variant has increased thermoactivity compared to the pullulanase of SEQ ID NO: 17, particularly the variant has at least 30% relative activity when measured at 70° C. relative to activity at 65° C., more particularly at least 40%, more particularly at least 50%, more particularly at least 60%, more particularly at least 70%, more particularly at least 80%, more particularly at least 90%, more particularly at least 100%.

In another aspect, the variant comprises or consists of substitutions at positions corresponding to positions 393A and 610R, wherein the variant has pullulanase activity, and;

a) wherein the variant has at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, or at least 99%, but less than 100% sequence identity to the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 3 and wherein the variant has increased thermoactivity compared to the pullulanase of SEQ ID NO: 3, particularly the variant has at least 60% relative activity when measured at 70° C. relative to activity at 65° C., more particularly at least 65%, more particularly at least 70%, more particularly at least 60%, more particularly at least 75%, more particularly at least 80%, more particularly at least 90%, more particularly at least 100%; or

b) wherein the variant has at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, or at least 99%, but less than 100% sequence identity to the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 6 and wherein the variant has increased thermoactivity compared to the pullulanase of SEQ ID NO: 6, particularly the variant has at least 30% relative activity when measured at 70° C. relative to activity at 65° C., more particularly at least 40%, more particularly at least 50%, more particularly at least 60%, more particularly at least 70%, more particularly at least 80%, more particularly at least 90%, more particularly at least 100%; or

c) wherein the variant has at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, or at least 99%, but less than 100% sequence identity to the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 9 and wherein the variant has increased thermoactivity compared to the pullulanase of SEQ ID NO: 9, particularly the variant has at least 30% relative activity when measured at 70° C. relative to activity at 65° C., more particularly at least 40%, more particularly at least 50%, more particularly at least 60%, more particularly at least 70%, more particularly at least 80%, more particularly at least 90%, more particularly at least 100%; or

d) wherein the variant has at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, or at least 99%, but less than 100% sequence identity to the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 16 and wherein the variant has increased thermoactivity compared to the pullulanase of SEQ ID NO: 16, particularly the variant has at least 30% relative activity when measured at 70° C. relative to activity at 65° C., more particularly at least 40%, more particularly at least 50%, more particularly at least 60%, more particularly at least 70%, more particularly at least 80%, more particularly at least 90%, more particularly at least 100%; or

e) wherein the variant has at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, or at least 99%, but less than 100% sequence identity to the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 17 and wherein the variant has increased thermoactivity compared to the pullulanase of SEQ ID NO: 17, particularly the variant has at least 30% relative activity when measured at 70° C. relative to activity at 65° C., more particularly at least 40%, more particularly at least 50%, more particularly at least 60%, more particularly at least 70%, more particularly at least 80%, more particularly at least 90%, more particularly at least 100%.

In another aspect, the variant comprises or consists of substitutions at positions corresponding to positions 393A and 624S, wherein the variant has pullulanase activity, and;

a) wherein the variant has at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, or at least 99%, but less than 100% sequence identity to the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 3 and wherein the variant has increased thermoactivity compared to the pullulanase of SEQ ID NO: 3, particularly the variant has at least 60% relative activity when measured at 70° C. relative to activity at 65° C., more particularly at least 65%, more particularly at least 70%, more particularly at least 60%, more particularly at least 75%, more particularly at least 80%, more particularly at least 90%, more particularly at least 100%; or

b) wherein the variant has at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, or at least 99%, but less than 100% sequence identity to the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 6 and wherein the variant has increased thermoactivity compared to the pullulanase of SEQ ID NO: 6, particularly the variant has at least 30% relative activity when measured at 70° C. relative to activity at 65° C., more particularly at least 40%, more particularly at least 50%, more particularly at least 60%, more particularly at least 70%, more particularly at least 80%, more particularly at least 90%, more particularly at least 100%; or

c) wherein the variant has at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, or at least 99%, but less than 100% sequence identity to the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 9 and wherein the variant has increased thermoactivity compared to the pullulanase of SEQ ID NO: 9, particularly the variant has at least 30% relative activity when measured at 70° C. relative to activity at 65° C., more particularly at least 40%, more particularly at least 50%, more particularly at least 60%, more particularly at least 70%, more particularly at least 80%, more particularly at least 90%, more particularly at least 100%; or

d) wherein the variant has at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, or at least 99%, but less than 100% sequence identity to the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 16 and wherein the variant has increased thermoactivity compared to the pullulanase of SEQ ID NO: 16, particularly the variant has at least 30% relative activity when measured at 70° C. relative to activity at 65° C., more particularly at least 40%, more particularly at least 50%, more particularly at least 60%, more particularly at least 70%, more particularly at least 80%, more particularly at least 90%, more particularly at least 100%; or

e) wherein the variant has at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, or at least 99%, but less than 100% sequence identity to the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 17 and wherein the variant has increased thermoactivity compared to the pullulanase of SEQ ID NO: 17, particularly the variant has at least 30% relative activity when measured at 70° C. relative to activity at 65° C., more particularly at least 40%, more particularly at least 50%, more particularly at least 60%, more particularly at least 70%, more particularly at least 80%, more particularly at least 90%, more particularly at least 100%.

In another aspect, the variant comprises or consists of substitutions at positions corresponding to positions 431E and 432F, wherein the variant has pullulanase activity, and;

a) wherein the variant has at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, or at least 99%, but less than 100% sequence identity to the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 3 and wherein the variant has increased thermoactivity compared to the pullulanase of SEQ ID NO: 3, particularly the variant has at least 60% relative activity when measured at 70° C. relative to activity at 65° C., more particularly at least 65%, more particularly at least 70%, more particularly at least 60%, more particularly at least 75%, more particularly at least 80%, more particularly at least 90%, more particularly at least 100%; or

b) wherein the variant has at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, or at least 99%, but less than 100% sequence identity to the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 6 and wherein the variant has increased thermoactivity compared to the pullulanase of SEQ ID NO: 6, particularly the variant has at least 30% relative activity when measured at 70° C. relative to activity at 65° C., more particularly at least 40%, more particularly at least 50%, more particularly at least 60%, more particularly at least 70%, more particularly at least 80%, more particularly at least 90%, more particularly at least 100%; or

c) wherein the variant has at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, or at least 99%, but less than 100% sequence identity to the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 9 and wherein the variant has increased thermoactivity compared to the pullulanase of SEQ ID NO: 9, particularly the variant has at least 30% relative activity when measured at 70° C. relative to activity at 65° C., more particularly at least 40%, more particularly at least 50%, more particularly at least 60%, more particularly at least 70%, more particularly at least 80%, more particularly at least 90%, more particularly at least 100%; or

d) wherein the variant has at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, or at least 99%, but less than 100% sequence identity to the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 16 and wherein the variant has increased thermoactivity compared to the pullulanase of SEQ ID NO: 16, particularly the variant has at least 30% relative activity when measured at 70° C. relative to activity at 65° C., more particularly at least 40%, more particularly at least 50%, more particularly at least 60%, more particularly at least 70%, more particularly at least 80%, more particularly at least 90%, more particularly at least 100%; or

e) wherein the variant has at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, or at least 99%, but less than 100% sequence identity to the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 17 and wherein the variant has increased thermoactivity compared to the pullulanase of SEQ ID NO: 17, particularly the variant has at least 30% relative activity when measured at 70° C. relative to activity at 65° C., more particularly at least 40%, more particularly at least 50%, more particularly at least 60%, more particularly at least 70%, more particularly at least 80%, more particularly at least 90%, more particularly at least 100%.

In another aspect, the variant comprises or consists of substitutions at positions corresponding to positions 431E and 610R, wherein the variant has pullulanase activity, and;

a) wherein the variant has at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, or at least 99%, but less than 100% sequence identity to the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 3 and wherein the variant has increased thermoactivity compared to the pullulanase of SEQ ID NO: 3, particularly the variant has at least 60% relative activity when measured at 70° C. relative to activity at 65° C., more particularly at least 65%, more particularly at least 70%, more particularly at least 60%, more particularly at least 75%, more particularly at least 80%, more particularly at least 90%, more particularly at least 100%; or

b) wherein the variant has at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, or at least 99%, but less than 100% sequence identity to the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 6 and wherein the variant has increased thermoactivity compared to the pullulanase of SEQ ID NO: 6, particularly the variant has at least 30% relative activity when measured at 70° C. relative to activity at 65° C., more particularly at least 40%, more particularly at least 50%, more particularly at least 60%, more particularly at least 70%, more particularly at least 80%, more particularly at least 90%, more particularly at least 100%; or

c) wherein the variant has at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, or at least 99%, but less than 100% sequence identity to the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 9 and wherein the variant has increased thermoactivity compared to the pullulanase of SEQ ID NO: 9, particularly the variant has at least 30% relative activity when measured at 70° C. relative to activity at 65° C., more particularly at least 40%, more particularly at least 50%, more particularly at least 60%, more particularly at least 70%, more particularly at least 80%, more particularly at least 90%, more particularly at least 100%; or

d) wherein the variant has at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, or at least 99%, but less than 100% sequence identity to the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 16 and wherein the variant has increased thermoactivity compared to the pullulanase of SEQ ID NO: 16, particularly the variant has at least 30% relative activity when measured at 70° C. relative to activity at 65° C., more particularly at least 40%, more particularly at least 50%, more particularly at least 60%, more particularly at least 70%, more particularly at least 80%, more particularly at least 90%, more particularly at least 100%; or

e) wherein the variant has at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, or at least 99%, but less than 100% sequence identity to the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 17 and wherein the variant has increased thermoactivity compared to the pullulanase of SEQ ID NO: 17, particularly the variant has at least 30% relative activity when measured at 70° C. relative to activity at 65° C., more particularly at least 40%, more particularly at least 50%, more particularly at least 60%, more particularly at least 70%, more particularly at least 80%, more particularly at least 90%, more particularly at least 100%.

In another aspect, the variant comprises or consists of substitutions at positions corresponding to positions 431E and 624S, wherein the variant has pullulanase activity, and;

a) wherein the variant has at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, or at least 99%, but less than 100% sequence identity to the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 3 and wherein the variant has increased thermoactivity compared to the pullulanase of SEQ ID NO: 3, particularly the variant has at least 60% relative activity when measured at 70° C. relative to activity at 65° C., more particularly at least 65%, more particularly at least 70%, more particularly at least 60%, more particularly at least 75%, more particularly at least 80%, more particularly at least 90%, more particularly at least 100%; or

b) wherein the variant has at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, or at least 99%, but less than 100% sequence identity to the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 6 and wherein the variant has increased thermoactivity compared to the pullulanase of SEQ ID NO: 6, particularly the variant has at least 30% relative activity when measured at 70° C. relative to activity at 65° C., more particularly at least 40%, more particularly at least 50%, more particularly at least 60%, more particularly at least 70%, more particularly at least 80%, more particularly at least 90%, more particularly at least 100%; or

c) wherein the variant has at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, or at least 99%, but less than 100% sequence identity to the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 9 and wherein the variant has increased thermoactivity compared to the pullulanase of SEQ ID NO: 9, particularly the variant has at least 30% relative activity when measured at 70° C. relative to activity at 65° C., more particularly at least 40%, more particularly at least 50%, more particularly at least 60%, more particularly at least 70%, more particularly at least 80%, more particularly at least 90%, more particularly at least 100%; or

d) wherein the variant has at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, or at least 99%, but less than 100% sequence identity to the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 16 and wherein the variant has increased thermoactivity compared to the pullulanase of SEQ ID NO: 16, particularly the variant has at least 30% relative activity when measured at 70° C. relative to activity at 65° C., more particularly at least 40%, more particularly at least 50%, more particularly at least 60%, more particularly at least 70%, more particularly at least 80%, more particularly at least 90%, more particularly at least 100%; or

e) wherein the variant has at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, or at least 99%, but less than 100% sequence identity to the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 17 and wherein the variant has increased thermoactivity compared to the pullulanase of SEQ ID NO: 17, particularly the variant has at least 30% relative activity when measured at 70° C. relative to activity at 65° C., more particularly at least 40%, more particularly at least 50%, more particularly at least 60%, more particularly at least 70%, more particularly at least 80%, more particularly at least 90%, more particularly at least 100%.

In another aspect, the variant comprises or consists of substitutions at positions corresponding to positions 432F and 610R, wherein the variant has pullulanase activity, and;

a) wherein the variant has at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, or at least 99%, but less than 100% sequence identity to the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 3 and wherein the variant has increased thermoactivity compared to the pullulanase of SEQ ID NO: 3, particularly the variant has at least 60% relative activity when measured at 70° C. relative to activity at 65° C., more particularly at least 65%, more particularly at least 70%, more particularly at least 60%, more particularly at least 75%, more particularly at least 80%, more particularly at least 90%, more particularly at least 100%; or

b) wherein the variant has at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, or at least 99%, but less than 100% sequence identity to the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 6 and wherein the variant has increased thermoactivity compared to the pullulanase of SEQ ID NO: 6, particularly the variant has at least 30% relative activity when measured at 70° C. relative to activity at 65° C., more particularly at least 40%, more particularly at least 50%, more particularly at least 60%, more particularly at least 70%, more particularly at least 80%, more particularly at least 90%, more particularly at least 100%; or

c) wherein the variant has at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, or at least 99%, but less than 100% sequence identity to the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 9 and wherein the variant has increased thermoactivity compared to the pullulanase of SEQ ID NO: 9, particularly the variant has at least 30% relative activity when measured at 70° C. relative to activity at 65° C., more particularly at least 40%, more particularly at least 50%, more particularly at least 60%, more particularly at least 70%, more particularly at least 80%, more particularly at least 90%, more particularly at least 100%; or

d) wherein the variant has at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, or at least 99%, but less than 100% sequence identity to the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 16 and wherein the variant has increased thermoactivity compared to the pullulanase of SEQ ID NO: 16, particularly the variant has at least 30% relative activity when measured at 70° C. relative to activity at 65° C., more particularly at least 40%, more particularly at least 50%, more particularly at least 60%, more particularly at least 70%, more particularly at least 80%, more particularly at least 90%, more particularly at least 100%; or

e) wherein the variant has at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, or at least 99%, but less than 100% sequence identity to the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 17 and wherein the variant has increased thermoactivity compared to the pullulanase of SEQ ID NO: 17, particularly the variant has at least 30% relative activity when measured at 70° C. relative to activity at 65° C., more particularly at least 40%, more particularly at least 50%, more particularly at least 60%, more particularly at least 70%, more particularly at least 80%, more particularly at least 90%, more particularly at least 100%.

In another aspect, the variant comprises or consists of substitutions at positions corresponding to positions 432F and 624S, wherein the variant has pullulanase activity, and;

a) wherein the variant has at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, or at least 99%, but less than 100% sequence identity to the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 3 and wherein the variant has increased thermoactivity compared to the pullulanase of SEQ ID NO: 3, particularly the variant has at least 60% relative activity when measured at 70° C. relative to activity at 65° C., more particularly at least 65%, more particularly at least 70%, more particularly at least 60%, more particularly at least 75%, more particularly at least 80%, more particularly at least 90%, more particularly at least 100%; or

b) wherein the variant has at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, or at least 99%, but less than 100% sequence identity to the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 6 and wherein the variant has increased thermoactivity compared to the pullulanase of SEQ ID NO: 6, particularly the variant has at least 30% relative activity when measured at 70° C. relative to activity at 65° C., more particularly at least 40%, more particularly at least 50%, more particularly at least 60%, more particularly at least 70%, more particularly at least 80%, more particularly at least 90%, more particularly at least 100%; or

c) wherein the variant has at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, or at least 99%, but less than 100% sequence identity to the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 9 and wherein the variant has increased thermoactivity compared to the pullulanase of SEQ ID NO: 9, particularly the variant has at least 30% relative activity when measured at 70° C. relative to activity at 65° C., more particularly at least 40%, more particularly at least 50%, more particularly at least 60%, more particularly at least 70%, more particularly at least 80%, more particularly at least 90%, more particularly at least 100%; or

d) wherein the variant has at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, or at least 99%, but less than 100% sequence identity to the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 16 and wherein the variant has increased thermoactivity compared to the pullulanase of SEQ ID NO: 16, particularly the variant has at least 30% relative activity when measured at 70° C. relative to activity at 65° C., more particularly at least 40%, more particularly at least 50%, more particularly at least 60%, more particularly at least 70%, more particularly at least 80%, more particularly at least 90%, more particularly at least 100%; or

e) wherein the variant has at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, or at least 99%, but less than 100% sequence identity to the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 17 and wherein the variant has increased thermoactivity compared to the pullulanase of SEQ ID NO: 17, particularly the variant has at least 30% relative activity when measured at 70° C. relative to activity at 65° C., more particularly at least 40%, more particularly at least 50%, more particularly at least 60%, more particularly at least 70%, more particularly at least 80%, more particularly at least 90%, more particularly at least 100%.

In another aspect, the variant comprises or consists of substitutions at positions corresponding to positions 610R and 624S, wherein the variant has pullulanase activity, and;

a) wherein the variant has at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, or at least 99%, but less than 100% sequence identity to the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 3 and wherein the variant has increased thermoactivity compared to the pullulanase of SEQ ID NO: 3, particularly the variant has at least 60% relative activity when measured at 70° C. relative to activity at 65° C., more particularly at least 65%, more particularly at least 70%, more particularly at least 60%, more particularly at least 75%, more particularly at least 80%, more particularly at least 90%, more particularly at least 100%; or

b) wherein the variant has at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, or at least 99%, but less than 100% sequence identity to the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 6 and wherein the variant has increased thermoactivity compared to the pullulanase of SEQ ID NO: 6, particularly the variant has at least 30% relative activity when measured at 70° C. relative to activity at 65° C., more particularly at least 40%, more particularly at least 50%, more particularly at least 60%, more particularly at least 70%, more particularly at least 80%, more particularly at least 90%, more particularly at least 100%; or

c) wherein the variant has at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, or at least 99%, but less than 100% sequence identity to the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 9 and wherein the variant has increased thermoactivity compared to the pullulanase of SEQ ID NO: 9, particularly the variant has at least 30% relative activity when measured at 70° C. relative to activity at 65° C., more particularly at least 40%, more particularly at least 50%, more particularly at least 60%, more particularly at least 70%, more particularly at least 80%, more particularly at least 90%, more particularly at least 100%; or

d) wherein the variant has at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, or at least 99%, but less than 100% sequence identity to the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 16 and wherein the variant has increased thermoactivity compared to the pullulanase of SEQ ID NO: 16, particularly the variant has at least 30% relative activity when measured at 70° C. relative to activity at 65° C., more particularly at least 40%, more particularly at least 50%, more particularly at least 60%, more particularly at least 70%, more particularly at least 80%, more particularly at least 90%, more particularly at least 100%; or

e) wherein the variant has at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, or at least 99%, but less than 100% sequence identity to the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 17 and wherein the variant has increased thermoactivity compared to the pullulanase of SEQ ID NO: 17, particularly the variant has at least 30% relative activity when measured at 70° C. relative to activity at 65° C., more particularly at least 40%, more particularly at least 50%, more particularly at least 60%, more particularly at least 70%, more particularly at least 80%, more particularly at least 90%, more particularly at least 100%.

In another aspect, the variant comprises or consists of substitutions at positions corresponding to positions 368G and 393A and 431E, wherein the variant has pullulanase activity, and;

a) wherein the variant has at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, or at least 99%, but less than 100% sequence identity to the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 3 and wherein the variant has increased thermoactivity compared to the pullulanase of SEQ ID NO: 3, particularly the variant has at least 60% relative activity when measured at 70° C. relative to activity at 65° C., more particularly at least 65%, more particularly at least 70%, more particularly at least 60%, more particularly at least 75%, more particularly at least 80%, more particularly at least 90%, more particularly at least 100%; or

b) wherein the variant has at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, or at least 99%, but less than 100% sequence identity to the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 6 and wherein the variant has increased thermoactivity compared to the pullulanase of SEQ ID NO: 6, particularly the variant has at least 30% relative activity when measured at 70° C. relative to activity at 65° C., more particularly at least 40%, more particularly at least 50%, more particularly at least 60%, more particularly at least 70%, more particularly at least 80%, more particularly at least 90%, more particularly at least 100%; or

c) wherein the variant has at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, or at least 99%, but less than 100% sequence identity to the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 9 and wherein the variant has increased thermoactivity compared to the pullulanase of SEQ ID NO: 9, particularly the variant has at least 30% relative activity when measured at 70° C. relative to activity at 65° C., more particularly at least 40%, more particularly at least 50%, more particularly at least 60%, more particularly at least 70%, more particularly at least 80%, more particularly at least 90%, more particularly at least 100%; or

d) wherein the variant has at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, or at least 99%, but less than 100% sequence identity to the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 16 and wherein the variant has increased thermoactivity compared to the pullulanase of SEQ ID NO: 16, particularly the variant has at least 30% relative activity when measured at 70° C. relative to activity at 65° C., more particularly at least 40%, more particularly at least 50%, more particularly at least 60%, more particularly at least 70%, more particularly at least 80%, more particularly at least 90%, more particularly at least 100%; or

e) wherein the variant has at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, or at least 99%, but less than 100% sequence identity to the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 17 and wherein the variant has increased thermoactivity compared to the pullulanase of SEQ ID NO: 17, particularly the variant has at least 30% relative activity when measured at 70° C. relative to activity at 65° C., more particularly at least 40%, more particularly at least 50%, more particularly at least 60%, more particularly at least 70%, more particularly at least 80%, more particularly at least 90%, more particularly at least 100%.

In another aspect, the variant comprises or consists of substitutions at positions corresponding to positions 368G and 393A and 432F, wherein the variant has pullulanase activity, and;

a) wherein the variant has at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, or at least 99%, but less than 100% sequence identity to the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 3 and wherein the variant has increased thermoactivity compared to the pullulanase of SEQ ID NO: 3, particularly the variant has at least 60% relative activity when measured at 70° C. relative to activity at 65° C., more particularly at least 65%, more particularly at least 70%, more particularly at least 60%, more particularly at least 75%, more particularly at least 80%, more particularly at least 90%, more particularly at least 100%; or

b) wherein the variant has at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, or at least 99%, but less than 100% sequence identity to the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 6 and wherein the variant has increased thermoactivity compared to the pullulanase of SEQ ID NO: 6, particularly the variant has at least 30% relative activity when measured at 70° C. relative to activity at 65° C., more particularly at least 40%, more particularly at least 50%, more particularly at least 60%, more particularly at least 70%, more particularly at least 80%, more particularly at least 90%, more particularly at least 100%; or

c) wherein the variant has at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, or at least 99%, but less than 100% sequence identity to the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 9 and wherein the variant has increased thermoactivity compared to the pullulanase of SEQ ID NO: 9, particularly the variant has at least 30% relative activity when measured at 70° C. relative to activity at 65° C., more particularly at least 40%, more particularly at least 50%, more particularly at least 60%, more particularly at least 70%, more particularly at least 80%, more particularly at least 90%, more particularly at least 100%; or

d) wherein the variant has at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, or at least 99%, but less than 100% sequence identity to the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 16 and wherein the variant has increased thermoactivity compared to the pullulanase of SEQ ID NO: 16, particularly the variant has at least 30% relative activity when measured at 70° C. relative to activity at 65° C., more particularly at least 40%, more particularly at least 50%, more particularly at least 60%, more particularly at least 70%, more particularly at least 80%, more particularly at least 90%, more particularly at least 100%; or

e) wherein the variant has at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, or at least 99%, but less than 100% sequence identity to the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 17 and wherein the variant has increased thermoactivity compared to the pullulanase of SEQ ID NO: 17, particularly the variant has at least 30% relative activity when measured at 70° C. relative to activity at 65° C., more particularly at least 40%, more particularly at least 50%, more particularly at least 60%, more particularly at least 70%, more particularly at least 80%, more particularly at least 90%, more particularly at least 100%.

In another aspect, the variant comprises or consists of substitutions at positions corresponding to positions 368G and 393A and 610R, wherein the variant has pullulanase activity, and;

a) wherein the variant has at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, or at least 99%, but less than 100% sequence identity to the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 3 and wherein the variant has increased thermoactivity compared to the pullulanase of SEQ ID NO: 3, particularly the variant has at least 60% relative activity when measured at 70° C. relative to activity at 65° C., more particularly at least 65%, more particularly at least 70%, more particularly at least 60%, more particularly at least 75%, more particularly at least 80%, more particularly at least 90%, more particularly at least 100%; or

b) wherein the variant has at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, or at least 99%, but less than 100% sequence identity to the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 6 and wherein the variant has increased thermoactivity compared to the pullulanase of SEQ ID NO: 6, particularly the variant has at least 30% relative activity when measured at 70° C. relative to activity at 65° C., more particularly at least 40%, more particularly at least 50%, more particularly at least 60%, more particularly at least 70%, more particularly at least 80%, more particularly at least 90%, more particularly at least 100%; or

c) wherein the variant has at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, or at least 99%, but less than 100% sequence identity to the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 9 and wherein the variant has increased thermoactivity compared to the pullulanase of SEQ ID NO: 9, particularly the variant has at least 30% relative activity when measured at 70° C. relative to activity at 65° C., more particularly at least 40%, more particularly at least 50%, more particularly at least 60%, more particularly at least 70%, more particularly at least 80%, more particularly at least 90%, more particularly at least 100%; or

d) wherein the variant has at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, or at least 99%, but less than 100% sequence identity to the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 16 and wherein the variant has increased thermoactivity compared to the pullulanase of SEQ ID NO: 16, particularly the variant has at least 30% relative activity when measured at 70° C. relative to activity at 65° C., more particularly at least 40%, more particularly at least 50%, more particularly at least 60%, more particularly at least 70%, more particularly at least 80%, more particularly at least 90%, more particularly at least 100%; or

e) wherein the variant has at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, or at least 99%, but less than 100% sequence identity to the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 17 and wherein the variant has increased thermoactivity compared to the pullulanase of SEQ ID NO: 17, particularly the variant has at least 30% relative activity when measured at 70° C. relative to activity at 65° C., more particularly at least 40%, more particularly at least 50%, more particularly at least 60%, more particularly at least 70%, more particularly at least 80%, more particularly at least 90%, more particularly at least 100%.

In another aspect, the variant comprises or consists of substitutions at positions corresponding to positions 368G and 393A and 624S, wherein the variant has pullulanase activity, and;

a) wherein the variant has at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, or at least 99%, but less than 100% sequence identity to the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 3 and wherein the variant has increased thermoactivity compared to the pullulanase of SEQ ID NO: 3, particularly the variant has at least 60% relative activity when measured at 70° C. relative to activity at 65° C., more particularly at least 65%, more particularly at least 70%, more particularly at least 60%, more particularly at least 75%, more particularly at least 80%, more particularly at least 90%, more particularly at least 100%; or

b) wherein the variant has at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, or at least 99%, but less than 100% sequence identity to the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 6 and wherein the variant has increased thermoactivity compared to the pullulanase of SEQ ID NO: 6, particularly the variant has at least 30% relative activity when measured at 70° C. relative to activity at 65° C., more particularly at least 40%, more particularly at least 50%, more particularly at least 60%, more particularly at least 70%, more particularly at least 80%, more particularly at least 90%, more particularly at least 100%; or

c) wherein the variant has at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, or at least 99%, but less than 100% sequence identity to the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 9 and wherein the variant has increased thermoactivity compared to the pullulanase of SEQ ID NO: 9, particularly the variant has at least 30% relative activity when measured at 70° C. relative to activity at 65° C., more particularly at least 40%, more particularly at least 50%, more particularly at least 60%, more particularly at least 70%, more particularly at least 80%, more particularly at least 90%, more particularly at least 100%; or

d) wherein the variant has at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, or at least 99%, but less than 100% sequence identity to the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 16 and wherein the variant has increased thermoactivity compared to the pullulanase of SEQ ID NO: 16, particularly the variant has at least 30% relative activity when measured at 70° C. relative to activity at 65° C., more particularly at least 40%, more particularly at least 50%, more particularly at least 60%, more particularly at least 70%, more particularly at least 80%, more particularly at least 90%, more particularly at least 100%; or

e) wherein the variant has at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, or at least 99%, but less than 100% sequence identity to the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 17 and wherein the variant has increased thermoactivity compared to the pullulanase of SEQ ID NO: 17, particularly the variant has at least 30% relative activity when measured at 70° C. relative to activity at 65° C., more particularly at least 40%, more particularly at least 50%, more particularly at least 60%, more particularly at least 70%, more particularly at least 80%, more particularly at least 90%, more particularly at least 100%.

In another aspect, the variant comprises or consists of substitutions at positions corresponding to positions 368G and 431E and 432F, wherein the variant has pullulanase activity, and;

a) wherein the variant has at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, or at least 99%, but less than 100% sequence identity to the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 3 and wherein the variant has increased thermoactivity compared to the pullulanase of SEQ ID NO: 3, particularly the variant has at least 60% relative activity when measured at 70° C. relative to activity at 65° C., more particularly at least 65%, more particularly at least 70%, more particularly at least 60%, more particularly at least 75%, more particularly at least 80%, more particularly at least 90%, more particularly at least 100%; or

b) wherein the variant has at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, or at least 99%, but less than 100% sequence identity to the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 6 and wherein the variant has increased thermoactivity compared to the pullulanase of SEQ ID NO: 6, particularly the variant has at least 30% relative activity when measured at 70° C. relative to activity at 65° C., more particularly at least 40%, more particularly at least 50%, more particularly at least 60%, more particularly at least 70%, more particularly at least 80%, more particularly at least 90%, more particularly at least 100%; or

c) wherein the variant has at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, or at least 99%, but less than 100% sequence identity to the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 9 and wherein the variant has increased thermoactivity compared to the pullulanase of SEQ ID NO: 9, particularly the variant has at least 30% relative activity when measured at 70° C. relative to activity at 65° C., more particularly at least 40%, more particularly at least 50%, more particularly at least 60%, more particularly at least 70%, more particularly at least 80%, more particularly at least 90%, more particularly at least 100%; or

d) wherein the variant has at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, or at least 99%, but less than 100% sequence identity to the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 16 and wherein the variant has increased thermoactivity compared to the pullulanase of SEQ ID NO: 16, particularly the variant has at least 30% relative activity when measured at 70° C. relative to activity at 65° C., more particularly at least 40%, more particularly at least 50%, more particularly at least 60%, more particularly at least 70%, more particularly at least 80%, more particularly at least 90%, more particularly at least 100%; or

e) wherein the variant has at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, or at least 99%, but less than 100% sequence identity to the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 17 and wherein the variant has increased thermoactivity compared to the pullulanase of SEQ ID NO: 17, particularly the variant has at least 30% relative activity when measured at 70° C. relative to activity at 65° C., more particularly at least 40%, more particularly at least 50%, more particularly at least 60%, more particularly at least 70%, more particularly at least 80%, more particularly at least 90%, more particularly at least 100%.

In another aspect, the variant comprises or consists of substitutions at positions corresponding to positions 368G and 431E and 610R, wherein the variant has pullulanase activity, and;

a) wherein the variant has at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, or at least 99%, but less than 100% sequence identity to the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 3 and wherein the variant has increased thermoactivity compared to the pullulanase of SEQ ID NO: 3, particularly the variant has at least 60% relative activity when measured at 70° C. relative to activity at 65° C., more particularly at least 65%, more particularly at least 70%, more particularly at least 60%, more particularly at least 75%, more particularly at least 80%, more particularly at least 90%, more particularly at least 100%; or

b) wherein the variant has at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, or at least 99%, but less than 100% sequence identity to the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 6 and wherein the variant has increased thermoactivity compared to the pullulanase of SEQ ID NO: 6, particularly the variant has at least 30% relative activity when measured at 70° C. relative to activity at 65° C., more particularly at least 40%, more particularly at least 50%, more particularly at least 60%, more particularly at least 70%, more particularly at least 80%, more particularly at least 90%, more particularly at least 100%; or

c) wherein the variant has at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, or at least 99%, but less than 100% sequence identity to the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 9 and wherein the variant has increased thermoactivity compared to the pullulanase of SEQ ID NO: 9, particularly the variant has at least 30% relative activity when measured at 70° C. relative to activity at 65° C., more particularly at least 40%, more particularly at least 50%, more particularly at least 60%, more particularly at least 70%, more particularly at least 80%, more particularly at least 90%, more particularly at least 100%; or d) wherein the variant has at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, or at least 99%, but less than 100% sequence identity to the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 16 and wherein the variant has increased thermoactivity compared to the pullulanase of SEQ ID NO: 16, particularly the variant has at least 30% relative activity when measured at 70° C. relative to activity at 65° C., more particularly at least 40%, more particularly at least 50%, more particularly at least 60%, more particularly at least 70%, more particularly at least 80%, more particularly at least 90%, more particularly at least 100%; or

e) wherein the variant has at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, or at least 99%, but less than 100% sequence identity to the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 17 and wherein the variant has increased thermoactivity compared to the pullulanase of SEQ ID NO: 17, particularly the variant has at least 30% relative activity when measured at 70° C. relative to activity at 65° C., more particularly at least 40%, more particularly at least 50%, more particularly at least 60%, more particularly at least 70%, more particularly at least 80%, more particularly at least 90%, more particularly at least 100%.

In another aspect, the variant comprises or consists of substitutions at positions corresponding to positions 368G and 431E and 624S, wherein the variant has pullulanase activity, and;

a) wherein the variant has at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, or at least 99%, but less than 100% sequence identity to the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 3 and wherein the variant has increased thermoactivity compared to the pullulanase of SEQ ID NO: 3, particularly the variant has at least 60% relative activity when measured at 70° C. relative to activity at 65° C., more particularly at least 65%, more particularly at least 70%, more particularly at least 60%, more particularly at least 75%, more particularly at least 80%, more particularly at least 90%, more particularly at least 100%; or

b) wherein the variant has at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, or at least 99%, but less than 100% sequence identity to the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 6 and wherein the variant has increased thermoactivity compared to the pullulanase of SEQ ID NO: 6, particularly the variant has at least 30% relative activity when measured at 70° C. relative to activity at 65° C., more particularly at least 40%, more particularly at least 50%, more particularly at least 60%, more particularly at least 70%, more particularly at least 80%, more particularly at least 90%, more particularly at least 100%; or

c) wherein the variant has at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, or at least 99%, but less than 100% sequence identity to the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 9 and wherein the variant has increased thermoactivity compared to the pullulanase of SEQ ID NO: 9, particularly the variant has at least 30% relative activity when measured at 70° C. relative to activity at 65° C., more particularly at least 40%, more particularly at least 50%, more particularly at least 60%, more particularly at least 70%, more particularly at least 80%, more particularly at least 90%, more particularly at least 100%; or

d) wherein the variant has at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, or at least 99%, but less than 100% sequence identity to the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 16 and wherein the variant has increased thermoactivity compared to the pullulanase of SEQ ID NO: 16, particularly the variant has at least 30% relative activity when measured at 70° C. relative to activity at 65° C., more particularly at least 40%, more particularly at least 50%, more particularly at least 60%, more particularly at least 70%, more particularly at least 80%, more particularly at least 90%, more particularly at least 100%; or

e) wherein the variant has at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, or at least 99%, but less than 100% sequence identity to the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 17 and wherein the variant has increased thermoactivity compared to the pullulanase of SEQ ID NO: 17, particularly the variant has at least 30% relative activity when measured at 70° C. relative to activity at 65° C., more particularly at least 40%, more particularly at least 50%, more particularly at least 60%, more particularly at least 70%, more particularly at least 80%, more particularly at least 90%, more particularly at least 100%.

In another aspect, the variant comprises or consists of substitutions at positions corresponding to positions 368G and 432F and 610R, wherein the variant has pullulanase activity, and;

a) wherein the variant has at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, or at least 99%, but less than 100% sequence identity to the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 3 and wherein the variant has increased thermoactivity compared to the pullulanase of SEQ ID NO: 3, particularly the variant has at least 60% relative activity when measured at 70° C. relative to activity at 65° C., more particularly at least 65%, more particularly at least 70%, more particularly at least 60%, more particularly at least 75%, more particularly at least 80%, more particularly at least 90%, more particularly at least 100%; or

b) wherein the variant has at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, or at least 99%, but less than 100% sequence identity to the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 6 and wherein the variant has increased thermoactivity compared to the pullulanase of SEQ ID NO: 6, particularly the variant has at least 30% relative activity when measured at 70° C. relative to activity at 65° C., more particularly at least 40%, more particularly at least 50%, more particularly at least 60%, more particularly at least 70%, more particularly at least 80%, more particularly at least 90%, more particularly at least 100%; or

c) wherein the variant has at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, or at least 99%, but less than 100% sequence identity to the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 9 and wherein the variant has increased thermoactivity compared to the pullulanase of SEQ ID NO: 9, particularly the variant has at least 30% relative activity when measured at 70° C. relative to activity at 65° C., more particularly at least 40%, more particularly at least 50%, more particularly at least 60%, more particularly at least 70%, more particularly at least 80%, more particularly at least 90%, more particularly at least 100%; or

d) wherein the variant has at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, or at least 99%, but less than 100% sequence identity to the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 16 and wherein the variant has increased thermoactivity compared to the pullulanase of SEQ ID NO: 16, particularly the variant has at least 30% relative activity when measured at 70° C. relative to activity at 65° C., more particularly at least 40%, more particularly at least 50%, more particularly at least 60%, more particularly at least 70%, more particularly at least 80%, more particularly at least 90%, more particularly at least 100%; or

e) wherein the variant has at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, or at least 99%, but less than 100% sequence identity to the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 17 and wherein the variant has increased thermoactivity compared to the pullulanase of SEQ ID NO: 17, particularly the variant has at least 30% relative activity when measured at 70° C. relative to activity at 65° C., more particularly at least 40%, more particularly at least 50%, more particularly at least 60%, more particularly at least 70%, more particularly at least 80%, more particularly at least 90%, more particularly at least 100%.

In another aspect, the variant comprises or consists of substitutions at positions corresponding to positions 368G and 432F and 624S, wherein the variant has pullulanase activity, and;

a) wherein the variant has at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, or at least 99%, but less than 100% sequence identity to the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 3 and wherein the variant has increased thermoactivity compared to the pullulanase of SEQ ID NO: 3, particularly the variant has at least 60% relative activity when measured at 70° C. relative to activity at 65° C., more particularly at least 65%, more particularly at least 70%, more particularly at least 60%, more particularly at least 75%, more particularly at least 80%, more particularly at least 90%, more particularly at least 100%;

b) wherein the variant has at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, or at least 99%, but less than 100% sequence identity to the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 6 and wherein the variant has increased thermoactivity compared to the pullulanase of SEQ ID NO: 6, particularly the variant has at least 30% relative activity when measured at 70° C. relative to activity at 65° C., more particularly at least 40%, more particularly at least 50%, more particularly at least 60%, more particularly at least 70%, more particularly at least 80%, more particularly at least 90%, more particularly at least 100%; or

c) wherein the variant has at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, or at least 99%, but less than 100% sequence identity to the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 9 and wherein the variant has increased thermoactivity compared to the pullulanase of SEQ ID NO: 9, particularly the variant has at least 30% relative activity when measured at 70° C. relative to activity at 65° C., more particularly at least 40%, more particularly at least 50%, more particularly at least 60%, more particularly at least 70%, more particularly at least 80%, more particularly at least 90%, more particularly at least 100%; or

d) wherein the variant has at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, or at least 99%, but less than 100% sequence identity to the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 16 and wherein the variant has increased thermoactivity compared to the pullulanase of SEQ ID NO: 16, particularly the variant has at least 30% relative activity when measured at 70° C. relative to activity at 65° C., more particularly at least 40%, more particularly at least 50%, more particularly at least 60%, more particularly at least 70%, more particularly at least 80%, more particularly at least 90%, more particularly at least 100%; or

e) wherein the variant has at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, or at least 99%, but less than 100% sequence identity to the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 17 and wherein the variant has increased thermoactivity compared to the pullulanase of SEQ ID NO: 17, particularly the variant has at least 30% relative activity when measured at 70° C. relative to activity at 65° C., more particularly at least 40%, more particularly at least 50%, more particularly at least 60%, more particularly at least 70%, more particularly at least 80%, more particularly at least 90%, more particularly at least 100%.

In another aspect, the variant comprises or consists of substitutions at positions corresponding to positions 368G and 610R and 624S, wherein the variant has pullulanase activity, and;

a) wherein the variant has at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, or at least 99%, but less than 100% sequence identity to the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 3 and wherein the variant has increased thermoactivity compared to the pullulanase of SEQ ID NO: 3, particularly the variant has at least 60% relative activity when measured at 70° C. relative to activity at 65° C., more particularly at least 65%, more particularly at least 70%, more particularly at least 60%, more particularly at least 75%, more particularly at least 80%, more particularly at least 90%, more particularly at least 100%; or

b) wherein the variant has at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, or at least 99%, but less than 100% sequence identity to the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 6 and wherein the variant has increased thermoactivity compared to the pullulanase of SEQ ID NO: 6, particularly the variant has at least 30% relative activity when measured at 70° C. relative to activity at 65° C., more particularly at least 40%, more particularly at least 50%, more particularly at least 60%, more particularly at least 70%, more particularly at least 80%, more particularly at least 90%, more particularly at least 100%; or

c) wherein the variant has at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, or at least 99%, but less than 100% sequence identity to the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 9 and wherein the variant has increased thermoactivity compared to the pullulanase of SEQ ID NO: 9, particularly the variant has at least 30% relative activity when measured at 70° C. relative to activity at 65° C., more particularly at least 40%, more particularly at least 50%, more particularly at least 60%, more particularly at least 70%, more particularly at least 80%, more particularly at least 90%, more particularly at least 100%; or

d) wherein the variant has at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, or at least 99%, but less than 100% sequence identity to the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 16 and wherein the variant has increased thermoactivity compared to the pullulanase of SEQ ID NO: 16, particularly the variant has at least 30% relative activity when measured at 70° C. relative to activity at 65° C., more particularly at least 40%, more particularly at least 50%, more particularly at least 60%, more particularly at least 70%, more particularly at least 80%, more particularly at least 90%, more particularly at least 100%; or

e) wherein the variant has at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, or at least 99%, but less than 100% sequence identity to the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 17 and wherein the variant has increased thermoactivity compared to the pullulanase of SEQ ID NO: 17, particularly the variant has at least 30% relative activity when measured at 70° C. relative to activity at 65° C., more particularly at least 40%, more particularly at least 50%, more particularly at least 60%, more particularly at least 70%, more particularly at least 80%, more particularly at least 90%, more particularly at least 100%.

In another aspect, the variant comprises or consists of substitutions at positions corresponding to positions 393A and 431E and 432F, wherein the variant has pullulanase activity, and;

a) wherein the variant has at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, or at least 99%, but less than 100% sequence identity to the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 3 and wherein the variant has increased thermoactivity compared to the pullulanase of SEQ ID NO: 3, particularly the variant has at least 60% relative activity when measured at 70° C. relative to activity at 65° C., more particularly at least 65%, more particularly at least 70%, more particularly at least 60%, more particularly at least 75%, more particularly at least 80%, more particularly at least 90%, more particularly at least 100%; or

b) wherein the variant has at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, or at least 99%, but less than 100% sequence identity to the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 6 and wherein the variant has increased thermoactivity compared to the pullulanase of SEQ ID NO: 6, particularly the variant has at least 30% relative activity when measured at 70° C. relative to activity at 65° C., more particularly at least 40%, more particularly at least 50%, more particularly at least 60%, more particularly at least 70%, more particularly at least 80%, more particularly at least 90%, more particularly at least 100%; or

c) wherein the variant has at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, or at least 99%, but less than 100% sequence identity to the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 9 and wherein the variant has increased thermoactivity compared to the pullulanase of SEQ ID NO: 9, particularly the variant has at least 30% relative activity when measured at 70° C. relative to activity at 65° C., more particularly at least 40%, more particularly at least 50%, more particularly at least 60%, more particularly at least 70%, more particularly at least 80%, more particularly at least 90%, more particularly at least 100%; or

d) wherein the variant has at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, or at least 99%, but less than 100% sequence identity to the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 16 and wherein the variant has increased thermoactivity compared to the pullulanase of SEQ ID NO: 16, particularly the variant has at least 30% relative activity when measured at 70° C. relative to activity at 65° C., more particularly at least 40%, more particularly at least 50%, more particularly at least 60%, more particularly at least 70%, more particularly at least 80%, more particularly at least 90%, more particularly at least 100%; or

e) wherein the variant has at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, or at least 99%, but less than 100% sequence identity to the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 17 and wherein the variant has increased thermoactivity compared to the pullulanase of SEQ ID NO: 17, particularly the variant has at least 30% relative activity when measured at 70° C. relative to activity at 65° C., more particularly at least 40%, more particularly at least 50%, more particularly at least 60%, more particularly at least 70%, more particularly at least 80%, more particularly at least 90%, more particularly at least 100%.

In another aspect, the variant comprises or consists of substitutions at positions corresponding to positions 393A and 431E and 610R, wherein the variant has pullulanase activity, and;

a) wherein the variant has at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, or at least 99%, but less than 100% sequence identity to the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 3 and wherein the variant has increased thermoactivity compared to the pullulanase of SEQ ID NO: 3, particularly the variant has at least 60% relative activity when measured at 70° C. relative to activity at 65° C., more particularly at least 65%, more particularly at least 70%, more particularly at least 60%, more particularly at least 75%, more particularly at least 80%, more particularly at least 90%, more particularly at least 100%; or

b) wherein the variant has at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, or at least 99%, but less than 100% sequence identity to the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 6 and wherein the variant has increased thermoactivity compared to the pullulanase of SEQ ID NO: 6, particularly the variant has at least 30% relative activity when measured at 70° C. relative to activity at 65° C., more particularly at least 40%, more particularly at least 50%, more particularly at least 60%, more particularly at least 70%, more particularly at least 80%, more particularly at least 90%, more particularly at least 100%; or

c) wherein the variant has at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, or at least 99%, but less than 100% sequence identity to the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 9 and wherein the variant has increased thermoactivity compared to the pullulanase of SEQ ID NO: 9, particularly the variant has at least 30% relative activity when measured at 70° C. relative to activity at 65° C., more particularly at least 40%, more particularly at least 50%, more particularly at least 60%, more particularly at least 70%, more particularly at least 80%, more particularly at least 90%, more particularly at least 100%; or

d) wherein the variant has at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, or at least 99%, but less than 100% sequence identity to the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 16 and wherein the variant has increased thermoactivity compared to the pullulanase of SEQ ID NO: 16, particularly the variant has at least 30% relative activity when measured at 70° C. relative to activity at 65° C., more particularly at least 40%, more particularly at least 50%, more particularly at least 60%, more particularly at least 70%, more particularly at least 80%, more particularly at least 90%, more particularly at least 100%; or

e) wherein the variant has at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, or at least 99%, but less than 100% sequence identity to the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 17 and wherein the variant has increased thermoactivity compared to the pullulanase of SEQ ID NO: 17, particularly the variant has at least 30% relative activity when measured at 70° C. relative to activity at 65° C., more particularly at least 40%, more particularly at least 50%, more particularly at least 60%, more particularly at least 70%, more particularly at least 80%, more particularly at least 90%, more particularly at least 100%.

In another aspect, the variant comprises or consists of substitutions at positions corresponding to positions 393A and 431E and 624S, wherein the variant has pullulanase activity, and;

a) wherein the variant has at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, or at least 99%, but less than 100% sequence identity to the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 3 and wherein the variant has increased thermoactivity compared to the pullulanase of SEQ ID NO: 3, particularly the variant has at least 60% relative activity when measured at 70° C. relative to activity at 65° C., more particularly at least 65%, more particularly at least 70%, more particularly at least 60%, more particularly at least 75%, more particularly at least 80%, more particularly at least 90%, more particularly at least 100%; or

b) wherein the variant has at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, or at least 99%, but less than 100% sequence identity to the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 6 and wherein the variant has increased thermoactivity compared to the pullulanase of SEQ ID NO: 6, particularly the variant has at least 30% relative activity when measured at 70° C. relative to activity at 65° C., more particularly at least 40%, more particularly at least 50%, more particularly at least 60%, more particularly at least 70%, more particularly at least 80%, more particularly at least 90%, more particularly at least 100%; or

c) wherein the variant has at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, or at least 99%, but less than 100% sequence identity to the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 9 and wherein the variant has increased thermoactivity compared to the pullulanase of SEQ ID NO: 9, particularly the variant has at least 30% relative activity when measured at 70° C. relative to activity at 65° C., more particularly at least 40%, more particularly at least 50%, more particularly at least 60%, more particularly at least 70%, more particularly at least 80%, more particularly at least 90%, more particularly at least 100%; or

d) wherein the variant has at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, or at least 99%, but less than 100% sequence identity to the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 16 and wherein the variant has increased thermoactivity compared to the pullulanase of SEQ ID NO: 16, particularly the variant has at least 30% relative activity when measured at 70° C. relative to activity at 65° C., more particularly at least 40%, more particularly at least 50%, more particularly at least 60%, more particularly at least 70%, more particularly at least 80%, more particularly at least 90%, more particularly at least 100%; or

e) wherein the variant has at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, or at least 99%, but less than 100% sequence identity to the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 17 and wherein the variant has increased thermoactivity compared to the pullulanase of SEQ ID NO: 17, particularly the variant has at least 30% relative activity when measured at 70° C. relative to activity at 65° C., more particularly at least 40%, more particularly at least 50%, more particularly at least 60%, more particularly at least 70%, more particularly at least 80%, more particularly at least 90%, more particularly at least 100%.

In another aspect, the variant comprises or consists of substitutions at positions corresponding to positions 393A and 432F and 610R, wherein the variant has pullulanase activity, and;

a) wherein the variant has at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, or at least 99%, but less than 100% sequence identity to the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 3 and wherein the variant has increased thermoactivity compared to the pullulanase of SEQ ID NO: 3, particularly the variant has at least 60% relative activity when measured at 70° C. relative to activity at 65° C., more particularly at least 65%, more particularly at least 70%, more particularly at least 60%, more particularly at least 75%, more particularly at least 80%, more particularly at least 90%, more particularly at least 100%; or

b) wherein the variant has at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, or at least 99%, but less than 100% sequence identity to the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 6 and wherein the variant has increased thermoactivity compared to the pullulanase of SEQ ID NO: 6, particularly the variant has at least 30% relative activity when measured at 70° C. relative to activity at 65° C., more particularly at least 40%, more particularly at least 50%, more particularly at least 60%, more particularly at least 70%, more particularly at least 80%, more particularly at least 90%, more particularly at least 100%; or

c) wherein the variant has at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, or at least 99%, but less than 100% sequence identity to the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 9 and wherein the variant has increased thermoactivity compared to the pullulanase of SEQ ID NO: 9, particularly the variant has at least 30% relative activity when measured at 70° C. relative to activity at 65° C., more particularly at least 40%, more particularly at least 50%, more particularly at least 60%, more particularly at least 70%, more particularly at least 80%, more particularly at least 90%, more particularly at least 100%; or

d) wherein the variant has at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, or at least 99%, but less than 100% sequence identity to the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 16 and wherein the variant has increased thermoactivity compared to the pullulanase of SEQ ID NO: 16, particularly the variant has at least 30% relative activity when measured at 70° C. relative to activity at 65° C., more particularly at least 40%, more particularly at least 50%, more particularly at least 60%, more particularly at least 70%, more particularly at least 80%, more particularly at least 90%, more particularly at least 100%; or

e) wherein the variant has at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, or at least 99%, but less than 100% sequence identity to the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 17 and wherein the variant has increased thermoactivity compared to the pullulanase of SEQ ID NO: 17, particularly the variant has at least 30% relative activity when measured at 70° C. relative to activity at 65° C., more particularly at least 40%, more particularly at least 50%, more particularly at least 60%, more particularly at least 70%, more particularly at least 80%, more particularly at least 90%, more particularly at least 100%.

In another aspect, the variant comprises or consists of substitutions at positions corresponding to positions 393A and 432F and 624S, wherein the variant has pullulanase activity, and;

a) wherein the variant has at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, or at least 99%, but less than 100% sequence identity to the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 3 and wherein the variant has increased thermoactivity compared to the pullulanase of SEQ ID NO: 3, particularly the variant has at least 60% relative activity when measured at 70° C. relative to activity at 65° C., more particularly at least 65%, more particularly at least 70%, more particularly at least 60%, more particularly at least 75%, more particularly at least 80%, more particularly at least 90%, more particularly at least 100%; or

b) wherein the variant has at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, or at least 99%, but less than 100% sequence identity to the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 6 and wherein the variant has increased thermoactivity compared to the pullulanase of SEQ ID NO: 6, particularly the variant has at least 30% relative activity when measured at 70° C. relative to activity at 65° C., more particularly at least 40%, more particularly at least 50%, more particularly at least 60%, more particularly at least 70%, more particularly at least 80%, more particularly at least 90%, more particularly at least 100%; or

c) wherein the variant has at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, or at least 99%, but less than 100% sequence identity to the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 9 and wherein the variant has increased thermoactivity compared to the pullulanase of SEQ ID NO: 9, particularly the variant has at least 30% relative activity when measured at 70° C. relative to activity at 65° C., more particularly at least 40%, more particularly at least 50%, more particularly at least 60%, more particularly at least 70%, more particularly at least 80%, more particularly at least 90%, more particularly at least 100%; or

d) wherein the variant has at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, or at least 99%, but less than 100% sequence identity to the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 16 and wherein the variant has increased thermoactivity compared to the pullulanase of SEQ ID NO: 16, particularly the variant has at least 30% relative activity when measured at 70° C. relative to activity at 65° C., more particularly at least 40%, more particularly at least 50%, more particularly at least 60%, more particularly at least 70%, more particularly at least 80%, more particularly at least 90%, more particularly at least 100%; ore) wherein the variant has at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, or at least 99%, but less than 100% sequence identity to the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 17 and wherein the variant has increased thermoactivity compared to the pullulanase of SEQ ID NO: 17, particularly the variant has at least 30% relative activity when measured at 70° C. relative to activity at 65° C., more particularly at least 40%, more particularly at least 50%, more particularly at least 60%, more particularly at least 70%, more particularly at least 80%, more particularly at least 90%, more particularly at least 100%.

In another aspect, the variant comprises or consists of substitutions at positions corresponding to positions 393A and 610R and 624S, wherein the variant has pullulanase activity, and;

a) wherein the variant has at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, or at least 99%, but less than 100% sequence identity to the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 3 and wherein the variant has increased thermoactivity compared to the pullulanase of SEQ ID NO: 3, particularly the variant has at least 60% relative activity when measured at 70° C. relative to activity at 65° C., more particularly at least 65%, more particularly at least 70%, more particularly at least 60%, more particularly at least 75%, more particularly at least 80%, more particularly at least 90%, more particularly at least 100%; or

b) wherein the variant has at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, or at least 99%, but less than 100% sequence identity to the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 6 and wherein the variant has increased thermoactivity compared to the pullulanase of SEQ ID NO: 6, particularly the variant has at least 30% relative activity when measured at 70° C. relative to activity at 65° C., more particularly at least 40%, more particularly at least 50%, more particularly at least 60%, more particularly at least 70%, more particularly at least 80%, more particularly at least 90%, more particularly at least 100%; or

c) wherein the variant has at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, or at least 99%, but less than 100% sequence identity to the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 9 and wherein the variant has increased thermoactivity compared to the pullulanase of SEQ ID NO: 9, particularly the variant has at least 30% relative activity when measured at 70° C. relative to activity at 65° C., more particularly at least 40%, more particularly at least 50%, more particularly at least 60%, more particularly at least 70%, more particularly at least 80%, more particularly at least 90%, more particularly at least 100%; or

d) wherein the variant has at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, or at least 99%, but less than 100% sequence identity to the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 16 and wherein the variant has increased thermoactivity compared to the pullulanase of SEQ ID NO: 16, particularly the variant has at least 30% relative activity when measured at 70° C. relative to activity at 65° C., more particularly at least 40%, more particularly at least 50%, more particularly at least 60%, more particularly at least 70%, more particularly at least 80%, more particularly at least 90%, more particularly at least 100%; or

e) wherein the variant has at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, or at least 99%, but less than 100% sequence identity to the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 17 and wherein the variant has increased thermoactivity compared to the pullulanase of SEQ ID NO: 17, particularly the variant has at least 30% relative activity when measured at 70° C. relative to activity at 65° C., more particularly at least 40%, more particularly at least 50%, more particularly at least 60%, more particularly at least 70%, more particularly at least 80%, more particularly at least 90%, more particularly at least 100%.

In another aspect, the variant comprises or consists of substitutions at positions corresponding to positions 431E and 432F and 610R, wherein the variant has pullulanase activity, and;

a) wherein the variant has at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, or at least 99%, but less than 100% sequence identity to the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 3 and wherein the variant has increased thermoactivity compared to the pullulanase of SEQ ID NO: 3, particularly the variant has at least 60% relative activity when measured at 70° C. relative to activity at 65° C., more particularly at least 65%, more particularly at least 70%, more particularly at least 60%, more particularly at least 75%, more particularly at least 80%, more particularly at least 90%, more particularly at least 100%; or

b) wherein the variant has at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, or at least 99%, but less than 100% sequence identity to the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 6 and wherein the variant has increased thermoactivity compared to the pullulanase of SEQ ID NO: 6, particularly the variant has at least 30% relative activity when measured at 70° C. relative to activity at 65° C., more particularly at least 40%, more particularly at least 50%, more particularly at least 60%, more particularly at least 70%, more particularly at least 80%, more particularly at least 90%, more particularly at least 100%; or

c) wherein the variant has at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, or at least 99%, but less than 100% sequence identity to the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 9 and wherein the variant has increased thermoactivity compared to the pullulanase of SEQ ID NO: 9, particularly the variant has at least 30% relative activity when measured at 70° C. relative to activity at 65° C., more particularly at least 40%, more particularly at least 50%, more particularly at least 60%, more particularly at least 70%, more particularly at least 80%, more particularly at least 90%, more particularly at least 100%; or

d) wherein the variant has at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, or at least 99%, but less than 100% sequence identity to the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 16 and wherein the variant has increased thermoactivity compared to the pullulanase of SEQ ID NO: 16, particularly the variant has at least 30% relative activity when measured at 70° C. relative to activity at 65° C., more particularly at least 40%, more particularly at least 50%, more particularly at least 60%, more particularly at least 70%, more particularly at least 80%, more particularly at least 90%, more particularly at least 100%; or

e) wherein the variant has at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, or at least 99%, but less than 100% sequence identity to the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 17 and wherein the variant has increased thermoactivity compared to the pullulanase of SEQ ID NO: 17, particularly the variant has at least 30% relative activity when measured at 70° C. relative to activity at 65° C., more particularly at least 40%, more particularly at least 50%, more particularly at least 60%, more particularly at least 70%, more particularly at least 80%, more particularly at least 90%, more particularly at least 100%.

In another aspect, the variant comprises or consists of substitutions at positions corresponding to positions 431E and 432F and 624S, wherein the variant has pullulanase activity, and;

a) wherein the variant has at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, or at least 99%, but less than 100% sequence identity to the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 3 and wherein the variant has increased thermoactivity compared to the pullulanase of SEQ ID NO: 3, particularly the variant has at least 60% relative activity when measured at 70° C. relative to activity at 65° C., more particularly at least 65%, more particularly at least 70%, more particularly at least 60%, more particularly at least 75%, more particularly at least 80%, more particularly at least 90%, more particularly at least 100%; or

b) wherein the variant has at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, or at least 99%, but less than 100% sequence identity to the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 6 and wherein the variant has increased thermoactivity compared to the pullulanase of SEQ ID NO: 6, particularly the variant has at least 30% relative activity when measured at 70° C. relative to activity at 65° C., more particularly at least 40%, more particularly at least 50%, more particularly at least 60%, more particularly at least 70%, more particularly at least 80%, more particularly at least 90%, more particularly at least 100%; or

c) wherein the variant has at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, or at least 99%, but less than 100% sequence identity to the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 9 and wherein the variant has increased thermoactivity compared to the pullulanase of SEQ ID NO: 9, particularly the variant has at least 30% relative activity when measured at 70° C. relative to activity at 65° C., more particularly at least 40%, more particularly at least 50%, more particularly at least 60%, more particularly at least 70%, more particularly at least 80%, more particularly at least 90%, more particularly at least 100%; or

d) wherein the variant has at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, or at least 99%, but less than 100% sequence identity to the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 16 and wherein the variant has increased thermoactivity compared to the pullulanase of SEQ ID NO: 16, particularly the variant has at least 30% relative activity when measured at 70° C. relative to activity at 65° C., more particularly at least 40%, more particularly at least 50%, more particularly at least 60%, more particularly at least 70%, more particularly at least 80%, more particularly at least 90%, more particularly at least 100%; or

e) wherein the variant has at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, or at least 99%, but less than 100% sequence identity to the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 17 and wherein the variant has increased thermoactivity compared to the pullulanase of SEQ ID NO: 17, particularly the variant has at least 30% relative activity when measured at 70° C. relative to activity at 65° C., more particularly at least 40%, more particularly at least 50%, more particularly at least 60%, more particularly at least 70%, more particularly at least 80%, more particularly at least 90%, more particularly at least 100%.

In another aspect, the variant comprises or consists of substitutions at positions corresponding to positions 431E and 610R and 624S, wherein the variant has pullulanase activity, and;

a) wherein the variant has at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, or at least 99%, but less than 100% sequence identity to the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 3 and wherein the variant has increased thermoactivity compared to the pullulanase of SEQ ID NO: 3, particularly the variant has at least 60% relative activity when measured at 70° C. relative to activity at 65° C., more particularly at least 65%, more particularly at least 70%, more particularly at least 60%, more particularly at least 75%, more particularly at least 80%, more particularly at least 90%, more particularly at least 100%; or

b) wherein the variant has at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, or at least 99%, but less than 100% sequence identity to the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 6 and wherein the variant has increased thermoactivity compared to the pullulanase of SEQ ID NO: 6, particularly the variant has at least 30% relative activity when measured at 70° C. relative to activity at 65° C., more particularly at least 40%, more particularly at least 50%, more particularly at least 60%, more particularly at least 70%, more particularly at least 80%, more particularly at least 90%, more particularly at least 100%; or

c) wherein the variant has at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, or at least 99%, but less than 100% sequence identity to the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 9 and wherein the variant has increased thermoactivity compared to the pullulanase of SEQ ID NO: 9, particularly the variant has at least 30% relative activity when measured at 70° C. relative to activity at 65° C., more particularly at least 40%, more particularly at least 50%, more particularly at least 60%, more particularly at least 70%, more particularly at least 80%, more particularly at least 90%, more particularly at least 100%; or

d) wherein the variant has at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, or at least 99%, but less than 100% sequence identity to the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 16 and wherein the variant has increased thermoactivity compared to the pullulanase of SEQ ID NO: 16, particularly the variant has at least 30% relative activity when measured at 70° C. relative to activity at 65° C., more particularly at least 40%, more particularly at least 50%, more particularly at least 60%, more particularly at least 70%, more particularly at least 80%, more particularly at least 90%, more particularly at least 100%; or

e) wherein the variant has at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, or at least 99%, but less than 100% sequence identity to the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 17 and wherein the variant has increased thermoactivity compared to the pullulanase of SEQ ID NO: 17, particularly the variant has at least 30% relative activity when measured at 70° C. relative to activity at 65° C., more particularly at least 40%, more particularly at least 50%, more particularly at least 60%, more particularly at least 70%, more particularly at least 80%, more particularly at least 90%, more particularly at least 100%.

In another aspect, the variant comprises or consists of substitutions at positions corresponding to positions 432F and 610R and 624S, wherein the variant has pullulanase activity, and;

a) wherein the variant has at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, or at least 99%, but less than 100% sequence identity to the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 3 and wherein the variant has increased thermoactivity compared to the pullulanase of SEQ ID NO: 3, particularly the variant has at least 60% relative activity when measured at 70° C. relative to activity at 65° C., more particularly at least 65%, more particularly at least 70%, more particularly at least 60%, more particularly at least 75%, more particularly at least 80%, more particularly at least 90%, more particularly at least 100%; or

b) wherein the variant has at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, or at least 99%, but less than 100% sequence identity to the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 6 and wherein the variant has increased thermoactivity compared to the pullulanase of SEQ ID NO: 6, particularly the variant has at least 30% relative activity when measured at 70° C. relative to activity at 65° C., more particularly at least 40%, more particularly at least 50%, more particularly at least 60%, more particularly at least 70%, more particularly at least 80%, more particularly at least 90%, more particularly at least 100%; or

c) wherein the variant has at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, or at least 99%, but less than 100% sequence identity to the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 9 and wherein the variant has increased thermoactivity compared to the pullulanase of SEQ ID NO: 9, particularly the variant has at least 30% relative activity when measured at 70° C. relative to activity at 65° C., more particularly at least 40%, more particularly at least 50%, more particularly at least 60%, more particularly at least 70%, more particularly at least 80%, more particularly at least 90%, more particularly at least 100%; or

d) wherein the variant has at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, or at least 99%, but less than 100% sequence identity to the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 16 and wherein the variant has increased thermoactivity compared to the pullulanase of SEQ ID NO: 16, particularly the variant has at least 30% relative activity when measured at 70° C. relative to activity at 65° C., more particularly at least 40%, more particularly at least 50%, more particularly at least 60%, more particularly at least 70%, more particularly at least 80%, more particularly at least 90%, more particularly at least 100%; or

e) wherein the variant has at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, or at least 99%, but less than 100% sequence identity to the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 17 and wherein the variant has increased thermoactivity compared to the pullulanase of SEQ ID NO: 17, particularly the variant has at least 30% relative activity when measured at 70° C. relative to activity at 65° C., more particularly at least 40%, more particularly at least 50%, more particularly at least 60%, more particularly at least 70%, more particularly at least 80%, more particularly at least 90%, more particularly at least 100%.

In another aspect, the variant comprises or consists of substitutions at positions corresponding to positions 368G and 393A and 431E and 432F, wherein the variant has pullulanase activity, and;

a) wherein the variant has at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, or at least 99%, but less than 100% sequence identity to the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 3 and wherein the variant has increased thermoactivity compared to the pullulanase of SEQ ID NO: 3, particularly the variant has at least 60% relative activity when measured at 70° C. relative to activity at 65° C., more particularly at least 65%, more particularly at least 70%, more particularly at least 60%, more particularly at least 75%, more particularly at least 80%, more particularly at least 90%, more particularly at least 100%; or

b) wherein the variant has at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, or at least 99%, but less than 100% sequence identity to the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 6 and wherein the variant has increased thermoactivity compared to the pullulanase of SEQ ID NO: 6, particularly the variant has at least 30% relative activity when measured at 70° C. relative to activity at 65° C., more particularly at least 40%, more particularly at least 50%, more particularly at least 60%, more particularly at least 70%, more particularly at least 80%, more particularly at least 90%, more particularly at least 100%; or

c) wherein the variant has at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, or at least 99%, but less than 100% sequence identity to the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 9 and wherein the variant has increased thermoactivity compared to the pullulanase of SEQ ID NO: 9, particularly the variant has at least 30% relative activity when measured at 70° C. relative to activity at 65° C., more particularly at least 40%, more particularly at least 50%, more particularly at least 60%, more particularly at least 70%, more particularly at least 80%, more particularly at least 90%, more particularly at least 100%; or

d) wherein the variant has at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, or at least 99%, but less than 100% sequence identity to the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 16 and wherein the variant has increased thermoactivity compared to the pullulanase of SEQ ID NO: 16, particularly the variant has at least 30% relative activity when measured at 70° C. relative to activity at 65° C., more particularly at least 40%, more particularly at least 50%, more particularly at least 60%, more particularly at least 70%, more particularly at least 80%, more particularly at least 90%, more particularly at least 100%; or

e) wherein the variant has at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, or at least 99%, but less than 100% sequence identity to the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 17 and wherein the variant has increased thermoactivity compared to the pullulanase of SEQ ID NO: 17, particularly the variant has at least 30% relative activity when measured at 70° C. relative to activity at 65° C., more particularly at least 40%, more particularly at least 50%, more particularly at least 60%, more particularly at least 70%, more particularly at least 80%, more particularly at least 90%, more particularly at least 100%.

In another aspect, the variant comprises or consists of substitutions at positions corresponding to positions 368G and 393A and 431E and 610R, wherein the variant has pullulanase activity, and;

a) wherein the variant has at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, or at least 99%, but less than 100% sequence identity to the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 3 and wherein the variant has increased thermoactivity compared to the pullulanase of SEQ ID NO: 3, particularly the variant has at least 60% relative activity when measured at 70° C. relative to activity at 65° C., more particularly at least 65%, more particularly at least 70%, more particularly at least 60%, more particularly at least 75%, more particularly at least 80%, more particularly at least 90%, more particularly at least 100%; or

b) wherein the variant has at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, or at least 99%, but less than 100% sequence identity to the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 6 and wherein the variant has increased thermoactivity compared to the pullulanase of SEQ ID NO: 6, particularly the variant has at least 30% relative activity when measured at 70° C. relative to activity at 65° C., more particularly at least 40%, more particularly at least 50%, more particularly at least 60%, more particularly at least 70%, more particularly at least 80%, more particularly at least 90%, more particularly at least 100%; or

c) wherein the variant has at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, or at least 99%, but less than 100% sequence identity to the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 9 and wherein the variant has increased thermoactivity compared to the pullulanase of SEQ ID NO: 9, particularly the variant has at least 30% relative activity when measured at 70° C. relative to activity at 65° C., more particularly at least 40%, more particularly at least 50%, more particularly at least 60%, more particularly at least 70%, more particularly at least 80%, more particularly at least 90%, more particularly at least 100%; or

d) wherein the variant has at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, or at least 99%, but less than 100% sequence identity to the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 16 and wherein the variant has increased thermoactivity compared to the pullulanase of SEQ ID NO: 16, particularly the variant has at least 30% relative activity when measured at 70° C. relative to activity at 65° C., more particularly at least 40%, more particularly at least 50%, more particularly at least 60%, more particularly at least 70%, more particularly at least 80%, more particularly at least 90%, more particularly at least 100%; or

e) wherein the variant has at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, or at least 99%, but less than 100% sequence identity to the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 17 and wherein the variant has increased thermoactivity compared to the pullulanase of SEQ ID NO: 17, particularly the variant has at least 30% relative activity when measured at 70° C. relative to activity at 65° C., more particularly at least 40%, more particularly at least 50%, more particularly at least 60%, more particularly at least 70%, more particularly at least 80%, more particularly at least 90%, more particularly at least 100%.

In another aspect, the variant comprises or consists of substitutions at positions corresponding to positions 368G and 393A and 431E and 624S, wherein the variant has pullulanase activity, and;

a) wherein the variant has at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, or at least 99%, but less than 100% sequence identity to the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 3 and wherein the variant has increased thermoactivity compared to the pullulanase of SEQ ID NO: 3, particularly the variant has at least 60% relative activity when measured at 70° C. relative to activity at 65° C., more particularly at least 65%, more particularly at least 70%, more particularly at least 60%, more particularly at least 75%, more particularly at least 80%, more particularly at least 90%, more particularly at least 100%; or

b) wherein the variant has at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, or at least 99%, but less than 100% sequence identity to the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 6 and wherein the variant has increased thermoactivity compared to the pullulanase of SEQ ID NO: 6, particularly the variant has at least 30% relative activity when measured at 70° C. relative to activity at 65° C., more particularly at least 40%, more particularly at least 50%, more particularly at least 60%, more particularly at least 70%, more particularly at least 80%, more particularly at least 90%, more particularly at least 100%; or

c) wherein the variant has at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, or at least 99%, but less than 100% sequence identity to the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 9 and wherein the variant has increased thermoactivity compared to the pullulanase of SEQ ID NO: 9, particularly the variant has at least 30% relative activity when measured at 70° C. relative to activity at 65° C., more particularly at least 40%, more particularly at least 50%, more particularly at least 60%, more particularly at least 70%, more particularly at least 80%, more particularly at least 90%, more particularly at least 100%; or

d) wherein the variant has at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, or at least 99%, but less than 100% sequence identity to the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 16 and wherein the variant has increased thermoactivity compared to the pullulanase of SEQ ID NO: 16, particularly the variant has at least 30% relative activity when measured at 70° C. relative to activity at 65° C., more particularly at least 40%, more particularly at least 50%, more particularly at least 60%, more particularly at least 70%, more particularly at least 80%, more particularly at least 90%, more particularly at least 100%; or

e) wherein the variant has at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, or at least 99%, but less than 100% sequence identity to the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 17 and wherein the variant has increased thermoactivity compared to the pullulanase of SEQ ID NO: 17, particularly the variant has at least 30% relative activity when measured at 70° C. relative to activity at 65° C., more particularly at least 40%, more particularly at least 50%, more particularly at least 60%, more particularly at least 70%, more particularly at least 80%, more particularly at least 90%, more particularly at least 100%.

In another aspect, the variant comprises or consists of substitutions at positions corresponding to positions 368G and 393A and 432F and 610R, wherein the variant has pullulanase activity, and;

a) wherein the variant has at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, or at least 99%, but less than 100% sequence identity to the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 3 and wherein the variant has increased thermoactivity compared to the pullulanase of SEQ ID NO: 3, particularly the variant has at least 60% relative activity when measured at 70° C. relative to activity at 65° C., more particularly at least 65%, more particularly at least 70%, more particularly at least 60%, more particularly at least 75%, more particularly at least 80%, more particularly at least 90%, more particularly at least 100%; or

b) wherein the variant has at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, or at least 99%, but less than 100% sequence identity to the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 6 and wherein the variant has increased thermoactivity compared to the pullulanase of SEQ ID NO: 6, particularly the variant has at least 30% relative activity when measured at 70° C. relative to activity at 65° C., more particularly at least 40%, more particularly at least 50%, more particularly at least 60%, more particularly at least 70%, more particularly at least 80%, more particularly at least 90%, more particularly at least 100%; or

c) wherein the variant has at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, or at least 99%, but less than 100% sequence identity to the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 9 and wherein the variant has increased thermoactivity compared to the pullulanase of SEQ ID NO: 9, particularly the variant has at least 30% relative activity when measured at 70° C. relative to activity at 65° C., more particularly at least 40%, more particularly at least 50%, more particularly at least 60%, more particularly at least 70%, more particularly at least 80%, more particularly at least 90%, more particularly at least 100%; or

d) wherein the variant has at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, or at least 99%, but less than 100% sequence identity to the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 16 and wherein the variant has increased thermoactivity compared to the pullulanase of SEQ ID NO: 16, particularly the variant has at least 30% relative activity when measured at 70° C. relative to activity at 65° C., more particularly at least 40%, more particularly at least 50%, more particularly at least 60%, more particularly at least 70%, more particularly at least 80%, more particularly at least 90%, more particularly at least 100%; or

e) wherein the variant has at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, or at least 99%, but less than 100% sequence identity to the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 17 and wherein the variant has increased thermoactivity compared to the pullulanase of SEQ ID NO: 17, particularly the variant has at least 30% relative activity when measured at 70° C. relative to activity at 65° C., more particularly at least 40%, more particularly at least 50%, more particularly at least 60%, more particularly at least 70%, more particularly at least 80%, more particularly at least 90%, more particularly at least 100%.

In another aspect, the variant comprises or consists of substitutions at positions corresponding to positions 368G and 393A and 432F and 624S, wherein the variant has pullulanase activity, and;

a) wherein the variant has at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, or at least 99%, but less than 100% sequence identity to the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 3 and wherein the variant has increased thermoactivity compared to the pullulanase of SEQ ID NO: 3, particularly the variant has at least 60% relative activity when measured at 70° C. relative to activity at 65° C., more particularly at least 65%, more particularly at least 70%, more particularly at least 60%, more particularly at least 75%, more particularly at least 80%, more particularly at least 90%, more particularly at least 100%; or

b) wherein the variant has at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, or at least 99%, but less than 100% sequence identity to the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 6 and wherein the variant has increased thermoactivity compared to the pullulanase of SEQ ID NO: 6, particularly the variant has at least 30% relative activity when measured at 70° C. relative to activity at 65° C., more particularly at least 40%, more particularly at least 50%, more particularly at least 60%, more particularly at least 70%, more particularly at least 80%, more particularly at least 90%, more particularly at least 100%; or

c) wherein the variant has at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, or at least 99%, but less than 100% sequence identity to the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 9 and wherein the variant has increased thermoactivity compared to the pullulanase of SEQ ID NO: 9, particularly the variant has at least 30% relative activity when measured at 70° C. relative to activity at 65° C., more particularly at least 40%, more particularly at least 50%, more particularly at least 60%, more particularly at least 70%, more particularly at least 80%, more particularly at least 90%, more particularly at least 100%; or

d) wherein the variant has at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, or at least 99%, but less than 100% sequence identity to the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 16 and wherein the variant has increased thermoactivity compared to the pullulanase of SEQ ID NO: 16, particularly the variant has at least 30% relative activity when measured at 70° C. relative to activity at 65° C., more particularly at least 40%, more particularly at least 50%, more particularly at least 60%, more particularly at least 70%, more particularly at least 80%, more particularly at least 90%, more particularly at least 100%; or

e) wherein the variant has at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, or at least 99%, but less than 100% sequence identity to the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 17 and wherein the variant has increased thermoactivity compared to the pullulanase of SEQ ID NO: 17, particularly the variant has at least 30% relative activity when measured at 70° C. relative to activity at 65° C., more particularly at least 40%, more particularly at least 50%, more particularly at least 60%, more particularly at least 70%, more particularly at least 80%, more particularly at least 90%, more particularly at least 100%.

In another aspect, the variant comprises or consists of substitutions at positions corresponding to positions 368G and 393A and 610R and 624S, wherein the variant has pullulanase activity, and;

a) wherein the variant has at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, or at least 99%, but less than 100% sequence identity to the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 3 and wherein the variant has increased thermoactivity compared to the pullulanase of SEQ ID NO: 3, particularly the variant has at least 60% relative activity when measured at 70° C. relative to activity at 65° C., more particularly at least 65%, more particularly at least 70%, more particularly at least 60%, more particularly at least 75%, more particularly at least 80%, more particularly at least 90%, more particularly at least 100%; or

b) wherein the variant has at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, or at least 99%, but less than 100% sequence identity to the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 6 and wherein the variant has increased thermoactivity compared to the pullulanase of SEQ ID NO: 6, particularly the variant has at least 30% relative activity when measured at 70° C. relative to activity at 65° C., more particularly at least 40%, more particularly at least 50%, more particularly at least 60%, more particularly at least 70%, more particularly at least 80%, more particularly at least 90%, more particularly at least 100%; or

c) wherein the variant has at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, or at least 99%, but less than 100% sequence identity to the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 9 and wherein the variant has increased thermoactivity compared to the pullulanase of SEQ ID NO: 9, particularly the variant has at least 30% relative activity when measured at 70° C. relative to activity at 65° C., more particularly at least 40%, more particularly at least 50%, more particularly at least 60%, more particularly at least 70%, more particularly at least 80%, more particularly at least 90%, more particularly at least 100%; or

d) wherein the variant has at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, or at least 99%, but less than 100% sequence identity to the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 16 and wherein the variant has increased thermoactivity compared to the pullulanase of SEQ ID NO: 16, particularly the variant has at least 30% relative activity when measured at 70° C. relative to activity at 65° C., more particularly at least 40%, more particularly at least 50%, more particularly at least 60%, more particularly at least 70%, more particularly at least 80%, more particularly at least 90%, more particularly at least 100%; or

e) wherein the variant has at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, or at least 99%, but less than 100% sequence identity to the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 17 and wherein the variant has increased thermoactivity compared to the pullulanase of SEQ ID NO: 17, particularly the variant has at least 30% relative activity when measured at 70° C. relative to activity at 65° C., more particularly at least 40%, more particularly at least 50%, more particularly at least 60%, more particularly at least 70%, more particularly at least 80%, more particularly at least 90%, more particularly at least 100%.

In another aspect, the variant comprises or consists of substitutions at positions corresponding to positions 368G and 431E and 432F and 610R, wherein the variant has pullulanase activity, and;

a) wherein the variant has at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, or at least 99%, but less than 100% sequence identity to the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 3 and wherein the variant has increased thermoactivity compared to the pullulanase of SEQ ID NO: 3, particularly the variant has at least 60% relative activity when measured at 70° C. relative to activity at 65° C., more particularly at least 65%, more particularly at least 70%, more particularly at least 60%, more particularly at least 75%, more particularly at least 80%, more particularly at least 90%, more particularly at least 100%; or

b) wherein the variant has at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, or at least 99%, but less than 100% sequence identity to the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 6 and wherein the variant has increased thermoactivity compared to the pullulanase of SEQ ID NO: 6, particularly the variant has at least 30% relative activity when measured at 70° C. relative to activity at 65° C., more particularly at least 40%, more particularly at least 50%, more particularly at least 60%, more particularly at least 70%, more particularly at least 80%, more particularly at least 90%, more particularly at least 100%; or

c) wherein the variant has at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, or at least 99%, but less than 100% sequence identity to the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 9 and wherein the variant has increased thermoactivity compared to the pullulanase of SEQ ID NO: 9, particularly the variant has at least 30% relative activity when measured at 70° C. relative to activity at 65° C., more particularly at least 40%, more particularly at least 50%, more particularly at least 60%, more particularly at least 70%, more particularly at least 80%, more particularly at least 90%, more particularly at least 100%; or

d) wherein the variant has at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, or at least 99%, but less than 100% sequence identity to the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 16 and wherein the variant has increased thermoactivity compared to the pullulanase of SEQ ID NO: 16, particularly the variant has at least 30% relative activity when measured at 70° C. relative to activity at 65° C., more particularly at least 40%, more particularly at least 50%, more particularly at least 60%, more particularly at least 70%, more particularly at least 80%, more particularly at least 90%, more particularly at least 100%; or

e) wherein the variant has at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, or at least 99%, but less than 100% sequence identity to the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 17 and wherein the variant has increased thermoactivity compared to the pullulanase of SEQ ID NO: 17, particularly the variant has at least 30% relative activity when measured at 70° C. relative to activity at 65° C., more particularly at least 40%, more particularly at least 50%, more particularly at least 60%, more particularly at least 70%, more particularly at least 80%, more particularly at least 90%, more particularly at least 100%.

In another aspect, the variant comprises or consists of substitutions at positions corresponding to positions 368G and 431E and 432F and 624S, wherein the variant has pullulanase activity, and;

a) wherein the variant has at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, or at least 99%, but less than 100% sequence identity to the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 3 and wherein the variant has increased thermoactivity compared to the pullulanase of SEQ ID NO: 3, particularly the variant has at least 60% relative activity when measured at 70° C. relative to activity at 65° C., more particularly at least 65%, more particularly at least 70%, more particularly at least 60%, more particularly at least 75%, more particularly at least 80%, more particularly at least 90%, more particularly at least 100%; or

b) wherein the variant has at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, or at least 99%, but less than 100% sequence identity to the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 6 and wherein the variant has increased thermoactivity compared to the pullulanase of SEQ ID NO: 6, particularly the variant has at least 30% relative activity when measured at 70° C. relative to activity at 65° C., more particularly at least 40%, more particularly at least 50%, more particularly at least 60%, more particularly at least 70%, more particularly at least 80%, more particularly at least 90%, more particularly at least 100%; or

c) wherein the variant has at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, or at least 99%, but less than 100% sequence identity to the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 9 and wherein the variant has increased thermoactivity compared to the pullulanase of SEQ ID NO: 9, particularly the variant has at least 30% relative activity when measured at 70° C. relative to activity at 65° C., more particularly at least 40%, more particularly at least 50%, more particularly at least 60%, more particularly at least 70%, more particularly at least 80%, more particularly at least 90%, more particularly at least 100%; or

d) wherein the variant has at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, or at least 99%, but less than 100% sequence identity to the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 16 and wherein the variant has increased thermoactivity compared to the pullulanase of SEQ ID NO: 16, particularly the variant has at least 30% relative activity when measured at 70° C. relative to activity at 65° C., more particularly at least 40%, more particularly at least 50%, more particularly at least 60%, more particularly at least 70%, more particularly at least 80%, more particularly at least 90%, more particularly at least 100%; or

e) wherein the variant has at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, or at least 99%, but less than 100% sequence identity to the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 17 and wherein the variant has increased thermoactivity compared to the pullulanase of SEQ ID NO: 17, particularly the variant has at least 30% relative activity when measured at 70° C. relative to activity at 65° C., more particularly at least 40%, more particularly at least 50%, more particularly at least 60%, more particularly at least 70%, more particularly at least 80%, more particularly at least 90%, more particularly at least 100%.

In another aspect, the variant comprises or consists of substitutions at positions corresponding to positions 368G and 431E and 610R and 624S, wherein the variant has pullulanase activity, and;

a) wherein the variant has at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, or at least 99%, but less than 100% sequence identity to the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 3 and wherein the variant has increased thermoactivity compared to the pullulanase of SEQ ID NO: 3, particularly the variant has at least 60% relative activity when measured at 70° C. relative to activity at 65° C., more particularly at least 65%, more particularly at least 70%, more particularly at least 60%, more particularly at least 75%, more particularly at least 80%, more particularly at least 90%, more particularly at least 100%; or

b) wherein the variant has at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, or at least 99%, but less than 100% sequence identity to the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 6 and wherein the variant has increased thermoactivity compared to the pullulanase of SEQ ID NO: 6, particularly the variant has at least 30% relative activity when measured at 70° C. relative to activity at 65° C., more particularly at least 40%, more particularly at least 50%, more particularly at least 60%, more particularly at least 70%, more particularly at least 80%, more particularly at least 90%, more particularly at least 100%; or

c) wherein the variant has at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, or at least 99%, but less than 100% sequence identity to the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 9 and wherein the variant has increased thermoactivity compared to the pullulanase of SEQ ID NO: 9, particularly the variant has at least 30% relative activity when measured at 70° C. relative to activity at 65° C., more particularly at least 40%, more particularly at least 50%, more particularly at least 60%, more particularly at least 70%, more particularly at least 80%, more particularly at least 90%, more particularly at least 100%; or

d) wherein the variant has at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, or at least 99%, but less than 100% sequence identity to the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 16 and wherein the variant has increased thermoactivity compared to the pullulanase of SEQ ID NO: 16, particularly the variant has at least 30% relative activity when measured at 70° C. relative to activity at 65° C., more particularly at least 40%, more particularly at least 50%, more particularly at least 60%, more particularly at least 70%, more particularly at least 80%, more particularly at least 90%, more particularly at least 100%; or

e) wherein the variant has at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, or at least 99%, but less than 100% sequence identity to the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 17 and wherein the variant has increased thermoactivity compared to the pullulanase of SEQ ID NO: 17, particularly the variant has at least 30% relative activity when measured at 70° C. relative to activity at 65° C., more particularly at least 40%, more particularly at least 50%, more particularly at least 60%, more particularly at least 70%, more particularly at least 80%, more particularly at least 90%, more particularly at least 100%.

In another aspect, the variant comprises or consists of substitutions at positions corresponding to positions 368G and 432F and 610R and 624S, wherein the variant has pullulanase activity, and;

a) wherein the variant has at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, or at least 99%, but less than 100% sequence identity to the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 3 and wherein the variant has increased thermoactivity compared to the pullulanase of SEQ ID NO: 3, particularly the variant has at least 60% relative activity when measured at 70° C. relative to activity at 65° C., more particularly at least 65%, more particularly at least 70%, more particularly at least 60%, more particularly at least 75%, more particularly at least 80%, more particularly at least 90%, more particularly at least 100%; or

b) wherein the variant has at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, or at least 99%, but less than 100% sequence identity to the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 6 and wherein the variant has increased thermoactivity compared to the pullulanase of SEQ ID NO: 6, particularly the variant has at least 30% relative activity when measured at 70° C. relative to activity at 65° C., more particularly at least 40%, more particularly at least 50%, more particularly at least 60%, more particularly at least 70%, more particularly at least 80%, more particularly at least 90%, more particularly at least 100%; or

c) wherein the variant has at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, or at least 99%, but less than 100% sequence identity to the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 9 and wherein the variant has increased thermoactivity compared to the pullulanase of SEQ ID NO: 9, particularly the variant has at least 30% relative activity when measured at 70° C. relative to activity at 65° C., more particularly at least 40%, more particularly at least 50%, more particularly at least 60%, more particularly at least 70%, more particularly at least 80%, more particularly at least 90%, more particularly at least 100%; or

d) wherein the variant has at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, or at least 99%, but less than 100% sequence identity to the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 16 and wherein the variant has increased thermoactivity compared to the pullulanase of SEQ ID NO: 16, particularly the variant has at least 30% relative activity when measured at 70° C. relative to activity at 65° C., more particularly at least 40%, more particularly at least 50%, more particularly at least 60%, more particularly at least 70%, more particularly at least 80%, more particularly at least 90%, more particularly at least 100%; or

e) wherein the variant has at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, or at least 99%, but less than 100% sequence identity to the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 17 and wherein the variant has increased thermoactivity compared to the pullulanase of SEQ ID NO: 17, particularly the variant has at least 30% relative activity when measured at 70° C. relative to activity at 65° C., more particularly at least 40%, more particularly at least 50%, more particularly at least 60%, more particularly at least 70%, more particularly at least 80%, more particularly at least 90%, more particularly at least 100%.

In another aspect, the variant comprises or consists of substitutions at positions corresponding to positions 393A and 431E and 432F and 610R, wherein the variant has pullulanase activity, and;

a) wherein the variant has at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, or at least 99%, but less than 100% sequence identity to the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 3 and wherein the variant has increased thermoactivity compared to the pullulanase of SEQ ID NO: 3, particularly the variant has at least 60% relative activity when measured at 70° C. relative to activity at 65° C., more particularly at least 65%, more particularly at least 70%, more particularly at least 60%, more particularly at least 75%, more particularly at least 80%, more particularly at least 90%, more particularly at least 100%; or

b) wherein the variant has at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, or at least 99%, but less than 100% sequence identity to the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 6 and wherein the variant has increased thermoactivity compared to the pullulanase of SEQ ID NO: 6, particularly the variant has at least 30% relative activity when measured at 70° C. relative to activity at 65° C., more particularly at least 40%, more particularly at least 50%, more particularly at least 60%, more particularly at least 70%, more particularly at least 80%, more particularly at least 90%, more particularly at least 100%; or

c) wherein the variant has at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, or at least 99%, but less than 100% sequence identity to the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 9 and wherein the variant has increased thermoactivity compared to the pullulanase of SEQ ID NO: 9, particularly the variant has at least 30% relative activity when measured at 70° C. relative to activity at 65° C., more particularly at least 40%, more particularly at least 50%, more particularly at least 60%, more particularly at least 70%, more particularly at least 80%, more particularly at least 90%, more particularly at least 100%; or

d) wherein the variant has at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, or at least 99%, but less than 100% sequence identity to the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 16 and wherein the variant has increased thermoactivity compared to the pullulanase of SEQ ID NO: 16, particularly the variant has at least 30% relative activity when measured at 70° C. relative to activity at 65° C., more particularly at least 40%, more particularly at least 50%, more particularly at least 60%, more particularly at least 70%, more particularly at least 80%, more particularly at least 90%, more particularly at least 100%; or

e) wherein the variant has at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, or at least 99%, but less than 100% sequence identity to the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 17 and wherein the variant has increased thermoactivity compared to the pullulanase of SEQ ID NO: 17, particularly the variant has at least 30% relative activity when measured at 70° C. relative to activity at 65° C., more particularly at least 40%, more particularly at least 50%, more particularly at least 60%, more particularly at least 70%, more particularly at least 80%, more particularly at least 90%, more particularly at least 100%.

In another aspect, the variant comprises or consists of substitutions at positions corresponding to positions 393A and 431E and 432F and 624S, wherein the variant has pullulanase activity, and;

a) wherein the variant has at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, or at least 99%, but less than 100% sequence identity to the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 3 and wherein the variant has increased thermoactivity compared to the pullulanase of SEQ ID NO: 3, particularly the variant has at least 60% relative activity when measured at 70° C. relative to activity at 65° C., more particularly at least 65%, more particularly at least 70%, more particularly at least 60%, more particularly at least 75%, more particularly at least 80%, more particularly at least 90%, more particularly at least 100%; or

b) wherein the variant has at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, or at least 99%, but less than 100% sequence identity to the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 6 and wherein the variant has increased thermoactivity compared to the pullulanase of SEQ ID NO: 6, particularly the variant has at least 30% relative activity when measured at 70° C. relative to activity at 65° C., more particularly at least 40%, more particularly at least 50%, more particularly at least 60%, more particularly at least 70%, more particularly at least 80%, more particularly at least 90%, more particularly at least 100%; or

c) wherein the variant has at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, or at least 99%, but less than 100% sequence identity to the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 9 and wherein the variant has increased thermoactivity compared to the pullulanase of SEQ ID NO: 9, particularly the variant has at least 30% relative activity when measured at 70° C. relative to activity at 65° C., more particularly at least 40%, more particularly at least 50%, more particularly at least 60%, more particularly at least 70%, more particularly at least 80%, more particularly at least 90%, more particularly at least 100%; or

d) wherein the variant has at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, or at least 99%, but less than 100% sequence identity to the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 16 and wherein the variant has increased thermoactivity compared to the pullulanase of SEQ ID NO: 16, particularly the variant has at least 30% relative activity when measured at 70° C. relative to activity at 65° C., more particularly at least 40%, more particularly at least 50%, more particularly at least 60%, more particularly at least 70%, more particularly at least 80%, more particularly at least 90%, more particularly at least 100%; or

e) wherein the variant has at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, or at least 99%, but less than 100% sequence identity to the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 17 and wherein the variant has increased thermoactivity compared to the pullulanase of SEQ ID NO: 17, particularly the variant has at least 30% relative activity when measured at 70° C. relative to activity at 65° C., more particularly at least 40%, more particularly at least 50%, more particularly at least 60%, more particularly at least 70%, more particularly at least 80%, more particularly at least 90%, more particularly at least 100%.

In another aspect, the variant comprises or consists of substitutions at positions corresponding to positions 393A and 431E and 610R and 624S, wherein the variant has pullulanase activity, and;

a) wherein the variant has at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, or at least 99%, but less than 100% sequence identity to the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 3 and wherein the variant has increased thermoactivity compared to the pullulanase of SEQ ID NO: 3, particularly the variant has at least 60% relative activity when measured at 70° C. relative to activity at 65° C., more particularly at least 65%, more particularly at least 70%, more particularly at least 60%, more particularly at least 75%, more particularly at least 80%, more particularly at least 90%, more particularly at least 100%; or

b) wherein the variant has at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, or at least 99%, but less than 100% sequence identity to the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 6 and wherein the variant has increased thermoactivity compared to the pullulanase of SEQ ID NO: 6, particularly the variant has at least 30% relative activity when measured at 70° C. relative to activity at 65° C., more particularly at least 40%, more particularly at least 50%, more particularly at least 60%, more particularly at least 70%, more particularly at least 80%, more particularly at least 90%, more particularly at least 100%; or

c) wherein the variant has at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, or at least 99%, but less than 100% sequence identity to the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 9 and wherein the variant has increased thermoactivity compared to the pullulanase of SEQ ID NO: 9, particularly the variant has at least 30% relative activity when measured at 70° C. relative to activity at 65° C., more particularly at least 40%, more particularly at least 50%, more particularly at least 60%, more particularly at least 70%, more particularly at least 80%, more particularly at least 90%, more particularly at least 100%; or

d) wherein the variant has at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, or at least 99%, but less than 100% sequence identity to the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 16 and wherein the variant has increased thermoactivity compared to the pullulanase of SEQ ID NO: 16, particularly the variant has at least 30% relative activity when measured at 70° C. relative to activity at 65° C., more particularly at least 40%, more particularly at least 50%, more particularly at least 60%, more particularly at least 70%, more particularly at least 80%, more particularly at least 90%, more particularly at least 100%; or

e) wherein the variant has at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, or at least 99%, but less than 100% sequence identity to the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 17 and wherein the variant has increased thermoactivity compared to the pullulanase of SEQ ID NO: 17, particularly the variant has at least 30% relative activity when measured at 70° C. relative to activity at 65° C., more particularly at least 40%, more particularly at least 50%, more particularly at least 60%, more particularly at least 70%, more particularly at least 80%, more particularly at least 90%, more particularly at least 100%.

In another aspect, the variant comprises or consists of substitutions at positions corresponding to positions 393A and 432F and 610R and 624S, wherein the variant has pullulanase activity, and;

a) wherein the variant has at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, or at least 99%, but less than 100% sequence identity to the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 3 and wherein the variant has increased thermoactivity compared to the pullulanase of SEQ ID NO: 3, particularly the variant has at least 60% relative activity when measured at 70° C. relative to activity at 65° C., more particularly at least 65%, more particularly at least 70%, more particularly at least 60%, more particularly at least 75%, more particularly at least 80%, more particularly at least 90%, more particularly at least 100%; or

b) wherein the variant has at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, or at least 99%, but less than 100% sequence identity to the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 6 and wherein the variant has increased thermoactivity compared to the pullulanase of SEQ ID NO: 6, particularly the variant has at least 30% relative activity when measured at 70° C. relative to activity at 65° C., more particularly at least 40%, more particularly at least 50%, more particularly at least 60%, more particularly at least 70%, more particularly at least 80%, more particularly at least 90%, more particularly at least 100%; or

c) wherein the variant has at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, or at least 99%, but less than 100% sequence identity to the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 9 and wherein the variant has increased thermoactivity compared to the pullulanase of SEQ ID NO: 9, particularly the variant has at least 30% relative activity when measured at 70° C. relative to activity at 65° C., more particularly at least 40%, more particularly at least 50%, more particularly at least 60%, more particularly at least 70%, more particularly at least 80%, more particularly at least 90%, more particularly at least 100%; or

d) wherein the variant has at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, or at least 99%, but less than 100% sequence identity to the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 16 and wherein the variant has increased thermoactivity compared to the pullulanase of SEQ ID NO: 16, particularly the variant has at least 30% relative activity when measured at 70° C. relative to activity at 65° C., more particularly at least 40%, more particularly at least 50%, more particularly at least 60%, more particularly at least 70%, more particularly at least 80%, more particularly at least 90%, more particularly at least 100%; or

e) wherein the variant has at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, or at least 99%, but less than 100% sequence identity to the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 17 and wherein the variant has increased thermoactivity compared to the pullulanase of SEQ ID NO: 17, particularly the variant has at least 30% relative activity when measured at 70° C. relative to activity at 65° C., more particularly at least 40%, more particularly at least 50%, more particularly at least 60%, more particularly at least 70%, more particularly at least 80%, more particularly at least 90%, more particularly at least 100%.

In another aspect, the variant comprises or consists of substitutions at positions corresponding to positions 431E and 432F and 610R and 624S, wherein the variant has pullulanase activity, and;

a) wherein the variant has at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, or at least 99%, but less than 100% sequence identity to the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 3 and wherein the variant has increased thermoactivity compared to the pullulanase of SEQ ID NO: 3, particularly the variant has at least 60% relative activity when measured at 70° C. relative to activity at 65° C., more particularly at least 65%, more particularly at least 70%, more particularly at least 60%, more particularly at least 75%, more particularly at least 80%, more particularly at least 90%, more particularly at least 100%; or

b) wherein the variant has at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, or at least 99%, but less than 100% sequence identity to the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 6 and wherein the variant has increased thermoactivity compared to the pullulanase of SEQ ID NO: 6, particularly the variant has at least 30% relative activity when measured at 70° C. relative to activity at 65° C., more particularly at least 40%, more particularly at least 50%, more particularly at least 60%, more particularly at least 70%, more particularly at least 80%, more particularly at least 90%, more particularly at least 100%; or

c) wherein the variant has at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, or at least 99%, but less than 100% sequence identity to the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 9 and wherein the variant has increased thermoactivity compared to the pullulanase of SEQ ID NO: 9, particularly the variant has at least 30% relative activity when measured at 70° C. relative to activity at 65° C., more particularly at least 40%, more particularly at least 50%, more particularly at least 60%, more particularly at least 70%, more particularly at least 80%, more particularly at least 90%, more particularly at least 100%; or

d) wherein the variant has at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, or at least 99%, but less than 100% sequence identity to the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 16 and wherein the variant has increased thermoactivity compared to the pullulanase of SEQ ID NO: 16, particularly the variant has at least 30% relative activity when measured at 70° C. relative to activity at 65° C., more particularly at least 40%, more particularly at least 50%, more particularly at least 60%, more particularly at least 70%, more particularly at least 80%, more particularly at least 90%, more particularly at least 100%; or

e) wherein the variant has at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, or at least 99%, but less than 100% sequence identity to the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 17 and wherein the variant has increased thermoactivity compared to the pullulanase of SEQ ID NO: 17, particularly the variant has at least 30% relative activity when measured at 70° C. relative to activity at 65° C., more particularly at least 40%, more particularly at least 50%, more particularly at least 60%, more particularly at least 70%, more particularly at least 80%, more particularly at least 90%, more particularly at least 100%.

In another aspect, the variant comprises or consists of substitutions at positions corresponding to positions 368G and 393A and 431E and 432F and 610R, wherein the variant has pullulanase activity, and;

a) wherein the variant has at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, or at least 99%, but less than 100% sequence identity to the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 3 and wherein the variant has increased thermoactivity compared to the pullulanase of SEQ ID NO: 3, particularly the variant has at least 60% relative activity when measured at 70° C. relative to activity at 65° C., more particularly at least 65%, more particularly at least 70%, more particularly at least 60%, more particularly at least 75%, more particularly at least 80%, more particularly at least 90%, more particularly at least 100%; or

b) wherein the variant has at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, or at least 99%, but less than 100% sequence identity to the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 6 and wherein the variant has increased thermoactivity compared to the pullulanase of SEQ ID NO: 6, particularly the variant has at least 30% relative activity when measured at 70° C. relative to activity at 65° C., more particularly at least 40%, more particularly at least 50%, more particularly at least 60%, more particularly at least 70%, more particularly at least 80%, more particularly at least 90%, more particularly at least 100%; or

c) wherein the variant has at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, or at least 99%, but less than 100% sequence identity to the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 9 and wherein the variant has increased thermoactivity compared to the pullulanase of SEQ ID NO: 9, particularly the variant has at least 30% relative activity when measured at 70° C. relative to activity at 65° C., more particularly at least 40%, more particularly at least 50%, more particularly at least 60%, more particularly at least 70%, more particularly at least 80%, more particularly at least 90%, more particularly at least 100%; or

d) wherein the variant has at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, or at least 99%, but less than 100% sequence identity to the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 16 and wherein the variant has increased thermoactivity compared to the pullulanase of SEQ ID NO: 16, particularly the variant has at least 30% relative activity when measured at 70° C. relative to activity at 65° C., more particularly at least 40%, more particularly at least 50%, more particularly at least 60%, more particularly at least 70%, more particularly at least 80%, more particularly at least 90%, more particularly at least 100%; or

e) wherein the variant has at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, or at least 99%, but less than 100% sequence identity to the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 17 and wherein the variant has increased thermoactivity compared to the pullulanase of SEQ ID NO: 17, particularly the variant has at least 30% relative activity when measured at 70° C. relative to activity at 65° C., more particularly at least 40%, more particularly at least 50%, more particularly at least 60%, more particularly at least 70%, more particularly at least 80%, more particularly at least 90%, more particularly at least 100%.

In another aspect, the variant comprises or consists of substitutions at positions corresponding to positions 368G and 393A and 431E and 432F and 624S, wherein the variant has pullulanase activity, and;

a) wherein the variant has at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, or at least 99%, but less than 100% sequence identity to the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 3 and wherein the variant has increased thermoactivity compared to the pullulanase of SEQ ID NO: 3, particularly the variant has at least 60% relative activity when measured at 70° C. relative to activity at 65° C., more particularly at least 65%, more particularly at least 70%, more particularly at least 60%, more particularly at least 75%, more particularly at least 80%, more particularly at least 90%, more particularly at least 100%; or

b) wherein the variant has at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, or at least 99%, but less than 100% sequence identity to the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 6 and wherein the variant has increased thermoactivity compared to the pullulanase of SEQ ID NO: 6, particularly the variant has at least 30% relative activity when measured at 70° C. relative to activity at 65° C., more particularly at least 40%, more particularly at least 50%, more particularly at least 60%, more particularly at least 70%, more particularly at least 80%, more particularly at least 90%, more particularly at least 100%; or

c) wherein the variant has at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, or at least 99%, but less than 100% sequence identity to the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 9 and wherein the variant has increased thermoactivity compared to the pullulanase of SEQ ID NO: 9, particularly the variant has at least 30% relative activity when measured at 70° C. relative to activity at 65° C., more particularly at least 40%, more particularly at least 50%, more particularly at least 60%, more particularly at least 70%, more particularly at least 80%, more particularly at least 90%, more particularly at least 100%; or

d) wherein the variant has at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, or at least 99%, but less than 100% sequence identity to the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 16 and wherein the variant has increased thermoactivity compared to the pullulanase of SEQ ID NO: 16, particularly the variant has at least 30% relative activity when measured at 70° C. relative to activity at 65° C., more particularly at least 40%, more particularly at least 50%, more particularly at least 60%, more particularly at least 70%, more particularly at least 80%, more particularly at least 90%, more particularly at least 100%; or

e) wherein the variant has at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, or at least 99%, but less than 100% sequence identity to the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 17 and wherein the variant has increased thermoactivity compared to the pullulanase of SEQ ID NO: 17, particularly the variant has at least 30% relative activity when measured at 70° C. relative to activity at 65° C., more particularly at least 40%, more particularly at least 50%, more particularly at least 60%, more particularly at least 70%, more particularly at least 80%, more particularly at least 90%, more particularly at least 100%.

In another aspect, the variant comprises or consists of substitutions at positions corresponding to positions 368G and 393A and 431E and 610R and 624S,

wherein the variant has pullulanase activity, and;

a) wherein the variant has at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, or at least 99%, but less than 100% sequence identity to the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 3 and wherein the variant has increased thermoactivity compared to the pullulanase of SEQ ID NO: 3, particularly the variant has at least 60% relative activity when measured at 70° C. relative to activity at 65° C., more particularly at least 65%, more particularly at least 70%, more particularly at least 60%, more particularly at least 75%, more particularly at least 80%, more particularly at least 90%, more particularly at least 100%; or

b) wherein the variant has at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, or at least 99%, but less than 100% sequence identity to the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 6 and wherein the variant has increased thermoactivity compared to the pullulanase of SEQ ID NO: 6, particularly the variant has at least 30% relative activity when measured at 70° C. relative to activity at 65° C., more particularly at least 40%, more particularly at least 50%, more particularly at least 60%, more particularly at least 70%, more particularly at least 80%, more particularly at least 90%, more particularly at least 100%; or

c) wherein the variant has at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, or at least 99%, but less than 100% sequence identity to the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 9 and wherein the variant has increased thermoactivity compared to the pullulanase of SEQ ID NO: 9, particularly the variant has at least 30% relative activity when measured at 70° C. relative to activity at 65° C., more particularly at least 40%, more particularly at least 50%, more particularly at least 60%, more particularly at least 70%, more particularly at least 80%, more particularly at least 90%, more particularly at least 100%; or

d) wherein the variant has at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, or at least 99%, but less than 100% sequence identity to the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 16 and wherein the variant has increased thermoactivity compared to the pullulanase of SEQ ID NO: 16, particularly the variant has at least 30% relative activity when measured at 70° C. relative to activity at 65° C., more particularly at least 40%, more particularly at least 50%, more particularly at least 60%, more particularly at least 70%, more particularly at least 80%, more particularly at least 90%, more particularly at least 100%; or

e) wherein the variant has at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, or at least 99%, but less than 100% sequence identity to the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 17 and wherein the variant has increased thermoactivity compared to the pullulanase of SEQ ID NO: 17, particularly the variant has at least 30% relative activity when measured at 70° C. relative to activity at 65° C., more particularly at least 40%, more particularly at least 50%, more particularly at least 60%, more particularly at least 70%, more particularly at least 80%, more particularly at least 90%, more particularly at least 100%.

In another aspect, the variant comprises or consists of substitutions at positions corresponding to positions 368G and 393A and 432F and 610R and 624S, wherein the variant has pullulanase activity, and;

a) wherein the variant has at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, or at least 99%, but less than 100% sequence identity to the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 3 and wherein the variant has increased thermoactivity compared to the pullulanase of SEQ ID NO: 3, particularly the variant has at least 60% relative activity when measured at 70° C. relative to activity at 65° C., more particularly at least 65%, more particularly at least 70%, more particularly at least 60%, more particularly at least 75%, more particularly at least 80%, more particularly at least 90%, more particularly at least 100%; or

b) wherein the variant has at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, or at least 99%, but less than 100% sequence identity to the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 6 and wherein the variant has increased thermoactivity compared to the pullulanase of SEQ ID NO: 6, particularly the variant has at least 30% relative activity when measured at 70° C. relative to activity at 65° C., more particularly at least 40%, more particularly at least 50%, more particularly at least 60%, more particularly at least 70%, more particularly at least 80%, more particularly at least 90%, more particularly at least 100%; or

c) wherein the variant has at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, or at least 99%, but less than 100% sequence identity to the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 9 and wherein the variant has increased thermoactivity compared to the pullulanase of SEQ ID NO: 9, particularly the variant has at least 30% relative activity when measured at 70° C. relative to activity at 65° C., more particularly at least 40%, more particularly at least 50%, more particularly at least 60%, more particularly at least 70%, more particularly at least 80%, more particularly at least 90%, more particularly at least 100%; or

d) wherein the variant has at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, or at least 99%, but less than 100% sequence identity to the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 16 and wherein the variant has increased thermoactivity compared to the pullulanase of SEQ ID NO: 16, particularly the variant has at least 30% relative activity when measured at 70° C. relative to activity at 65° C., more particularly at least 40%, more particularly at least 50%, more particularly at least 60%, more particularly at least 70%, more particularly at least 80%, more particularly at least 90%, more particularly at least 100%; or

e) wherein the variant has at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, or at least 99%, but less than 100% sequence identity to the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 17 and wherein the variant has increased thermoactivity compared to the pullulanase of SEQ ID NO: 17, particularly the variant has at least 30% relative activity when measured at 70° C. relative to activity at 65° C., more particularly at least 40%, more particularly at least 50%, more particularly at least 60%, more particularly at least 70%, more particularly at least 80%, more particularly at least 90%, more particularly at least 100%.

In another aspect, the variant comprises or consists of substitutions at positions corresponding to positions 368G and 431E and 432F and 610R and 624S, wherein the variant has pullulanase activity, and;

a) wherein the variant has at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, or at least 99%, but less than 100% sequence identity to the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 3 and wherein the variant has increased thermoactivity compared to the pullulanase of SEQ ID NO: 3, particularly the variant has at least 60% relative activity when measured at 70° C. relative to activity at 65° C., more particularly at least 65%, more particularly at least 70%, more particularly at least 60%, more particularly at least 75%, more particularly at least 80%, more particularly at least 90%, more particularly at least 100%; or

b) wherein the variant has at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, or at least 99%, but less than 100% sequence identity to the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 6 and wherein the variant has increased thermoactivity compared to the pullulanase of SEQ ID NO: 6, particularly the variant has at least 30% relative activity when measured at 70° C. relative to activity at 65° C., more particularly at least 40%, more particularly at least 50%, more particularly at least 60%, more particularly at least 70%, more particularly at least 80%, more particularly at least 90%, more particularly at least 100%; or

c) wherein the variant has at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, or at least 99%, but less than 100% sequence identity to the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 9 and wherein the variant has increased thermoactivity compared to the pullulanase of SEQ ID NO: 9, particularly the variant has at least 30% relative activity when measured at 70° C. relative to activity at 65° C., more particularly at least 40%, more particularly at least 50%, more particularly at least 60%, more particularly at least 70%, more particularly at least 80%, more particularly at least 90%, more particularly at least 100%; or

d) wherein the variant has at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, or at least 99%, but less than 100% sequence identity to the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 16 and wherein the variant has increased thermoactivity compared to the pullulanase of SEQ ID NO: 16, particularly the variant has at least 30% relative activity when measured at 70° C. relative to activity at 65° C., more particularly at least 40%, more particularly at least 50%, more particularly at least 60%, more particularly at least 70%, more particularly at least 80%, more particularly at least 90%, more particularly at least 100%; or

e) wherein the variant has at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, or at least 99%, but less than 100% sequence identity to the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 17 and wherein the variant has increased thermoactivity compared to the pullulanase of SEQ ID NO: 17, particularly the variant has at least 30% relative activity when measured at 70° C. relative to activity at 65° C., more particularly at least 40%, more particularly at least 50%, more particularly at least 60%, more particularly at least 70%, more particularly at least 80%, more particularly at least 90%, more particularly at least 100%.

In another aspect, the variant comprises or consists of substitutions at positions corresponding to positions 393A and 431E and 432F and 610R and 624S, wherein the variant has pullulanase activity, and;

a) wherein the variant has at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, or at least 99%, but less than 100% sequence identity to the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 3 and wherein the variant has increased thermoactivity compared to the pullulanase of SEQ ID NO: 3, particularly the variant has at least 60% relative activity when measured at 70° C. relative to activity at 65° C., more particularly at least 65%, more particularly at least 70%, more particularly at least 60%, more particularly at least 75%, more particularly at least 80%, more particularly at least 90%, more particularly at least 100%; or

b) wherein the variant has at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, or at least 99%, but less than 100% sequence identity to the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 6 and wherein the variant has increased thermoactivity compared to the pullulanase of SEQ ID NO: 6, particularly the variant has at least 30% relative activity when measured at 70° C. relative to activity at 65° C., more particularly at least 40%, more particularly at least 50%, more particularly at least 60%, more particularly at least 70%, more particularly at least 80%, more particularly at least 90%, more particularly at least 100%; or

c) wherein the variant has at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, or at least 99%, but less than 100% sequence identity to the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 9 and wherein the variant has increased thermoactivity compared to the pullulanase of SEQ ID NO: 9, particularly the variant has at least 30% relative activity when measured at 70° C. relative to activity at 65° C., more particularly at least 40%, more particularly at least 50%, more particularly at least 60%, more particularly at least 70%, more particularly at least 80%, more particularly at least 90%, more particularly at least 100%; or

d) wherein the variant has at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, or at least 99%, but less than 100% sequence identity to the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 16 and wherein the variant has increased thermoactivity compared to the pullulanase of SEQ ID NO: 16, particularly the variant has at least 30% relative activity when measured at 70° C. relative to activity at 65° C., more particularly at least 40%, more particularly at least 50%, more particularly at least 60%, more particularly at least 70%, more particularly at least 80%, more particularly at least 90%, more particularly at least 100%; or

e) wherein the variant has at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, or at least 99%, but less than 100% sequence identity to the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 17 and wherein the variant has increased thermoactivity compared to the pullulanase of SEQ ID NO: 17, particularly the variant has at least 30% relative activity when measured at 70° C. relative to activity at 65° C., more particularly at least 40%, more particularly at least 50%, more particularly at least 60%, more particularly at least 70%, more particularly at least 80%, more particularly at least 90%, more particularly at least 100%.

In another aspect, the variant comprises or consists of substitutions at positions corresponding to positions 368G and 393A and 431E and 432F and 610R and 624S, wherein the variant has pullulanase activity, and;

a) wherein the variant has at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, or at least 99%, but less than 100% sequence identity to the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 3 and wherein the variant has increased thermoactivity compared to the pullulanase of SEQ ID NO: 3, particularly the variant has at least 60% relative activity when measured at 70° C. relative to activity at 65° C., more particularly at least 65%, more particularly at least 70%, more particularly at least 60%, more particularly at least 75%, more particularly at least 80%, more particularly at least 90%, more particularly at least 100%; or

b) wherein the variant has at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, or at least 99%, but less than 100% sequence identity to the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 6 and wherein the variant has increased thermoactivity compared to the pullulanase of SEQ ID NO: 6, particularly the variant has at least 30% relative activity when measured at 70° C. relative to activity at 65° C., more particularly at least 40%, more particularly at least 50%, more particularly at least 60%, more particularly at least 70%, more particularly at least 80%, more particularly at least 90%, more particularly at least 100%; or

c) wherein the variant has at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, or at least 99%, but less than 100% sequence identity to the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 9 and wherein the variant has increased thermoactivity compared to the pullulanase of SEQ ID NO: 9, particularly the variant has at least 30% relative activity when measured at 70° C. relative to activity at 65° C., more particularly at least 40%, more particularly at least 50%, more particularly at least 60%, more particularly at least 70%, more particularly at least 80%, more particularly at least 90%, more particularly at least 100%; or

d) wherein the variant has at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, or at least 99%, but less than 100% sequence identity to the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 16 and wherein the variant has increased thermoactivity compared to the pullulanase of SEQ ID NO: 16, particularly the variant has at least 30% relative activity when measured at 70° C. relative to activity at 65° C., more particularly at least 40%, more particularly at least 50%, more particularly at least 60%, more particularly at least 70%, more particularly at least 80%, more particularly at least 90%, more particularly at least 100%; or

e) wherein the variant has at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, or at least 99%, but less than 100% sequence identity to the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 17 and wherein the variant has increased thermoactivity compared to the pullulanase of SEQ ID NO: 17, particularly the variant has at least 30% relative activity when measured at 70° C. relative to activity at 65° C., more particularly at least 40%, more particularly at least 50%, more particularly at least 60%, more particularly at least 70%, more particularly at least 80%, more particularly at least 90%, more particularly at least 100%.

In a further particular embodiment the variant of the invention comprises at least one of the following substitutions or combinations of specific substitutions of the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 3 or in a corresponding position in the polypeptides of SEQ ID NO: 6, SEQ ID NO: 9, SEQ ID NO: 16, SEQ ID NO: 17:

-   N368G; -   E699R; -   E150R; -   N346S; -   N243E; -   S244K; -   V143G; -   N393A; -   N610R; -   N610L; -   G624S; -   F456A; -   T492S,A; -   V486C+T492S,A; -   N368G+M402T; -   T631S+S632C; -   V486C+T492S,A+T631S+S632C; -   N393A+T631S+S632C; -   T631S+S632C+E699R; -   N393A+V486C+T492S,A+T631S+S632C; -   N393A+G624S+S632C; -   N393A+N610R+T631S+S632C; -   N393A+G624S+T631S+S632C; -   N393A+N610R+G624S+T631S+S632C; -   N393A+V486C+T492S,A+G624S+T631S+S632C; -   N393A+V486C+T492S,A+N610R+G624S+T631S+S632C; -   N368G+N393A+V486C+T492S,A+N610R+G624S+T631S+S632C; -   N393A+V486C+T492S,A+N610R+G624S+T631S+S632C+E699R; -   N346S+N393A+V486C+T492S,A+N610R+G624S+T631S+S632C; -   N393A+F456A+V486C+T492S,A+N610R+G624S+T631S+S632C; -   N393A+T492S,A+N610R+G624S+T631S+S632C; -   N368G+N393A+T492S,A+N610R+G624S+T631S+S632C; -   A345P+N393A+V486C+T492S,A+N610R+G624S+T631S+S632C; -   N368G+K370S+I373L+N393A+V486C+T492S,A+N610R+G624S+T631S+S632C; -   I381V+Q385E+Q387L+N393A+V486C+T492S,A+N610R+G624S+T631S+S632C; -   I381V+N382T+Q385E+Q387L+N393A+V486C+T492S,A+N610R+G624S+T631S+S632C; -   A345P+N368G+N393A+T492S,A+N610R+G624S+T631S+S632C; -   N368G+I381V+Q385E+Q387L+N393A+T492S,A+N610R+G624S+T631S+S632C; -   A345P+N368G+I381V+Q385E+Q387L+N393A+T492S,A+N610R+G624S+T631S+S632C; -   A345P+N368G+I381V+Q385E+Q387L+N393A+T492S,A+N610R+G624S+T631S+S632C+V665I; -   N393A+T430R+Q431E+L432F+V486C+T492S,A+N610R+G624S+T631S+S632C; -   N393A+Q431E+L432F+V486C+T492S,A+N610R+G624S+T631S+S632C; -   N393A+I429V+Q431E+V486C+T492S,A+N610R+G624S+T631S+S632C; -   N393A+I429V+T430R+Q431E+L432F+V486C+T492S,A+N610R+G624S+T631S+S632C; -   N368G+N393A+A492S,A; -   N368G+N393A; -   N393A+N610R; -   N368G+N393A+N610R; -   N368G+N393A+T492S,A+N610R+G624S; -   N368G+N393A+T492S,A+N610R+G624S+T631S+S632C+Q431E+L432F; -   N368G+N393A+N610R+G624S+T631S+S632C; -   N368G+N393A+T492S,A+N610R+G624S+T631S+S632C; or -   N368G+N393A+N610R+G624S+T631S+S632C+Q431E+L432F;     and wherein the variant has pullulanase activity, and;

a) wherein the variant has at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, or at least 99%, but less than 100% sequence identity to the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 3 and wherein the variant has increased thermoactivity compared to the pullulanase of SEQ ID NO: 3, particularly the variant has at least 60% relative activity when measured at 70° C. relative to activity at 65° C., more particularly at least 65%, more particularly at least 70%, more particularly at least 60%, more particularly at least 75%, more particularly at least 80%, more particularly at least 90%, more particularly at least 100%; or

b) wherein the variant has at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, or at least 99%, but less than 100% sequence identity to the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 6 and wherein the variant has increased thermoactivity compared to the pullulanase of SEQ ID NO: 6, particularly the variant has at least 30% relative activity when measured at 70° C. relative to activity at 65° C., more particularly at least 40%, more particularly at least 50%, more particularly at least 60%, more particularly at least 70%, more particularly at least 80%, more particularly at least 90%, more particularly at least 100%; or

c) wherein the variant has at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, or at least 99%, but less than 100% sequence identity to the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 9 and wherein the variant has increased thermoactivity compared to the pullulanase of SEQ ID NO: 9, particularly the variant has at least 30% relative activity when measured at 70° C. relative to activity at 65° C., more particularly at least 40%, more particularly at least 50%, more particularly at least 60%, more particularly at least 70%, more particularly at least 80%, more particularly at least 90%, more particularly at least 100%; or

d) wherein the variant has at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, or at least 99%, but less than 100% sequence identity to the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 16 and wherein the variant has increased thermoactivity compared to the pullulanase of SEQ ID NO: 16, particularly the variant has at least 30% relative activity when measured at 70° C. relative to activity at 65° C., more particularly at least 40%, more particularly at least 50%, more particularly at least 60%, more particularly at least 70%, more particularly at least 80%, more particularly at least 90%, more particularly at least 100%; or

e) wherein the variant has at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, or at least 99%, but less than 100% sequence identity to the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 17 and wherein the variant has increased thermoactivity compared to the pullulanase of SEQ ID NO: 17, particularly the variant has at least 30% relative activity when measured at 70° C. relative to activity at 65° C., more particularly at least 40%, more particularly at least 50%, more particularly at least 60%, more particularly at least 70%, more particularly at least 80%, more particularly at least 90%, more particularly at least 100%.

In a further particular embodiment the variant of the invention comprises at least one of the following substitutions or combinations of specific substitutions of the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 3 or in a corresponding position in the polypeptides of SEQ ID NO: 6, SEQ ID NO: 9, SEQ ID NO: 16, SEQ ID NO: 17:

-   N368G; -   N393A; -   N610R; -   G624S; -   T492S,A; -   N393A+V486C+T492S,A+N610R+G624S+T631S+S632C; -   N393A+T492S,A+N610R+G624S+T631S+S632C; -   N368G+N393A+T492S,A+N610R+G624S+T631S+S632C; -   N368G+N393A+A492S,A; -   N368G+N393A+T492S,A+N610R+G624S; -   N368G+N393A+T492S,A+N610R+G624S+T631S+S632C+Q431E+L432F; -   N368G+N393A+N610R+G624S+T631S+S632C; -   N368G+N393A+N610R+G624S+T631S+S632C+Q431E+L432F;     and wherein the variant has pullulanase activity, and;

a) wherein the variant has at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, or at least 99%, but less than 100% sequence identity to the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 3 and wherein the variant has increased thermoactivity compared to the pullulanase of SEQ ID NO: 3, particularly the variant has at least 60% relative activity when measured at 70° C. relative to activity at 65° C., more particularly at least 65%, more particularly at least 70%, more particularly at least 60%, more particularly at least 75%, more particularly at least 80%, more particularly at least 90%, more particularly at least 100%; or

b) wherein the variant has at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, or at least 99%, but less than 100% sequence identity to the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 6 and wherein the variant has increased thermoactivity compared to the pullulanase of SEQ ID NO: 6, particularly the variant has at least 30% relative activity when measured at 70° C. relative to activity at 65° C., more particularly at least 40%, more particularly at least 50%, more particularly at least 60%, more particularly at least 70%, more particularly at least 80%, more particularly at least 90%, more particularly at least 100%; or

c) wherein the variant has at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, or at least 99%, but less than 100% sequence identity to the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 9 and wherein the variant has increased thermoactivity compared to the pullulanase of SEQ ID NO: 9, particularly the variant has at least 30% relative activity when measured at 70° C. relative to activity at 65° C., more particularly at least 40%, more particularly at least 50%, more particularly at least 60%, more particularly at least 70%, more particularly at least 80%, more particularly at least 90%, more particularly at least 100%; or

d) wherein the variant has at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, or at least 99%, but less than 100% sequence identity to the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 16 and wherein the variant has increased thermoactivity compared to the pullulanase of SEQ ID NO: 16, particularly the variant has at least 30% relative activity when measured at 70° C. relative to activity at 65° C., more particularly at least 40%, more particularly at least 50%, more particularly at least 60%, more particularly at least 70%, more particularly at least 80%, more particularly at least 90%, more particularly at least 100%; or

e) wherein the variant has at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, or at least 99%, but less than 100% sequence identity to the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 17 and wherein the variant has increased thermoactivity compared to the pullulanase of SEQ ID NO: 17, particularly the variant has at least 30% relative activity when measured at 70° C. relative to activity at 65° C., more particularly at least 40%, more particularly at least 50%, more particularly at least 60%, more particularly at least 70%, more particularly at least 80%, more particularly at least 90%, more particularly at least 100%.

More specifically the invention relates in one embodiment to pullulanase variants, comprising the substitution N368G of the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 3, wherein the variant has pullulanase activity, and wherein the pullulanase variants have at least 75%, at least 80%, at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, or at least 99%, but less than 100% sequence identity to the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 3.

More specifically the invention relates in one embodiment to pullulanase variants, comprising the substitution E699R of the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 3, wherein the variant has pullulanase activity, and wherein the pullulanase variants have at least 75%, at least 80%, at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, or at least 99%, but less than 100% sequence identity to the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 3.

More specifically the invention relates in one embodiment to pullulanase variants, comprising the substitution E150R of the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 3, wherein the variant has pullulanase activity, and wherein the pullulanase variants have at least 75%, at least 80%, at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, or at least 99%, but less than 100% sequence identity to the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 3.

More specifically the invention relates in one embodiment to pullulanase variants, comprising the substitution N346S of the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 3, wherein the variant has pullulanase activity, and wherein the pullulanase variants have at least 75%, at least 80%, at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, or at least 99%, but less than 100% sequence identity to the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 3.

More specifically the invention relates in one embodiment to pullulanase variants, comprising the substitution N243E of the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 3, wherein the variant has pullulanase activity, and wherein the pullulanase variants have at least 75%, at least 80%, at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, or at least 99%, but less than 100% sequence identity to the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 3.

More specifically the invention relates in one embodiment to pullulanase variants, comprising the substitution S244K of the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 3, wherein the variant has pullulanase activity, and wherein the pullulanase variants have at least 75%, at least 80%, at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, or at least 99%, but less than 100% sequence identity to the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 3.

More specifically the invention relates in one embodiment to pullulanase variants, comprising the substitution V143G of the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 3, wherein the variant has pullulanase activity, and wherein the pullulanase variants have at least 75%, at least 80%, at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, or at least 99%, but less than 100% sequence identity to the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 3.

More specifically the invention relates in one embodiment to pullulanase variants, comprising the substitution N393A of the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 3, wherein the variant has pullulanase activity, and wherein the pullulanase variants have at least 75%, at least 80%, at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, or at least 99%, but less than 100% sequence identity to the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 3.

More specifically the invention relates in one embodiment to pullulanase variants, comprising the substitution N610R of the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 3, wherein the variant has pullulanase activity, and wherein the pullulanase variants have at least 75%, at least 80%, at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, or at least 99%, but less than 100% sequence identity to the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 3.

More specifically the invention relates in one embodiment to pullulanase variants, comprising the substitution N610L of the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 3, wherein the variant has pullulanase activity, and wherein the pullulanase variants have at least 75%, at least 80%, at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, or at least 99%, but less than 100% sequence identity to the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 3.

More specifically the invention relates in one embodiment to pullulanase variants, comprising the substitution G624S of the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 3, wherein the variant has pullulanase activity, and wherein the pullulanase variants have at least 75%, at least 80%, at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, or at least 99%, but less than 100% sequence identity to the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 3.

More specifically the invention relates in one embodiment to pullulanase variants, comprising the substitution F456A of the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 3, wherein the variant has pullulanase activity, and wherein the pullulanase variants have at least 75%, at least 80%, at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, or at least 99%, but less than 100% sequence identity to the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 3.

More specifically the invention relates in one embodiment to pullulanase variants, comprising the substitution T492S,A of the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 3, wherein the variant has pullulanase activity, and wherein the pullulanase variants have at least 75%, at least 80%, at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, or at least 99%, but less than 100% sequence identity to the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 3.

More specifically the invention relates in one embodiment to pullulanase variants, comprising the substitution V486C+T492S,A of the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 3, wherein the variant has pullulanase activity, and wherein the pullulanase variants have at least 75%, at least 80%, at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, or at least 99%, but less than 100% sequence identity to the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 3.

More specifically the invention relates in one embodiment to pullulanase variants, comprising the substitution N368G+M402T of the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 3, wherein the variant has pullulanase activity, and wherein the pullulanase variants have at least 75%, at least 80%, at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, or at least 99%, but less than 100% sequence identity to the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 3.

More specifically the invention relates in one embodiment to pullulanase variants, comprising the substitution T631S+S632C of the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 3, wherein the variant has pullulanase activity, and wherein the pullulanase variants have at least 75%, at least 80%, at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, or at least 99%, but less than 100% sequence identity to the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 3.

More specifically the invention relates in one embodiment to pullulanase variants, comprising the substitution V486C+T492S,A+T631S+S632C of the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 3, wherein the variant has pullulanase activity, and wherein the pullulanase variants have at least 75%, at least 80%, at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, or at least 99%, but less than 100% sequence identity to the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 3.

More specifically the invention relates in one embodiment to pullulanase variants, comprising the substitution N393A+T631S+S632C of the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 3, wherein the variant has pullulanase activity, and wherein the pullulanase variants have at least 75%, at least 80%, at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, or at least 99%, but less than 100% sequence identity to the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 3.

More specifically the invention relates in one embodiment to pullulanase variants, comprising the substitution T631S+S632C+E699R of the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 3 wherein the variant has pullulanase activity, and wherein the pullulanase variants have at least 75%, at least 80%, at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, or at least 99%, but less than 100% sequence identity to the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 3.

More specifically the invention relates in one embodiment to pullulanase variants, comprising the substitution N393A+V486C+T492S,A+T631S+S632C of the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 3, wherein the variant has pullulanase activity, and wherein the pullulanase variants have at least 75%, at least 80%, at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, or at least 99%, but less than 100% sequence identity to the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 3.

More specifically the invention relates in one embodiment to pullulanase variants, comprising the substitution N393A+G624S+S632C of the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 3, wherein the variant has pullulanase activity, and wherein the pullulanase variants have at least 75%, at least 80%, at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, or at least 99%, but less than 100% sequence identity to the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 3.

More specifically the invention relates in one embodiment to pullulanase variants, comprising the substitution N393A+N610R+T631S+S632C of the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 3, wherein the variant has pullulanase activity, and wherein the pullulanase variants have at least 75%, at least 80%, at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, or at least 99%, but less than 100% sequence identity to the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 3.

More specifically the invention relates in one embodiment to pullulanase variants, comprising the substitution N393A+G624S+T631S+S632C of the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 3, wherein the variant has pullulanase activity, and wherein the pullulanase variants have at least 75%, at least 80%, at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, or at least 99%, but less than 100% sequence identity to the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 3.

More specifically the invention relates in one embodiment to pullulanase variants, comprising the substitution N393A+N610R+G624S+T631S+S632C of the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 3, wherein the variant has pullulanase activity, and wherein the pullulanase variants have at least 75%, at least 80%, at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, or at least 99%, but less than 100% sequence identity to the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 3.

More specifically the invention relates in one embodiment to pullulanase variants, comprising the substitution N393A+V486C+T492S,A+G624S+T631S+S632C of the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 3, wherein the variant has pullulanase activity, and wherein the pullulanase variants have at least 75%, at least 80%, at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, or at least 99%, but less than 100% sequence identity to the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 3.

More specifically the invention relates in one embodiment to pullulanase variants, comprising the substitution N393A+V486C+T492S,A+N610R+G624S+T631S+S632C of the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 3, wherein the variant has pullulanase activity, and wherein the pullulanase variants have at least 75%, at least 80%, at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, or at least 99%, but less than 100% sequence identity to the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 3.

More specifically the invention relates in one embodiment to pullulanase variants, comprising the substitution N368G+N393A+V486C+T492S,A+N610R+G624S+T631S+S632C of the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 3, wherein the variant has pullulanase activity, and wherein the pullulanase variants have at least 75%, at least 80%, at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, or at least 99%, but less than 100% sequence identity to the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 3.

More specifically the invention relates in one embodiment to pullulanase variants, comprising the substitution N393A+V486C+T492S,A+N610R+G624S+T631S+S632C+E699R of the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 3, wherein the variant has pullulanase activity, and wherein the pullulanase variants have at least 75%, at least 80%, at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, or at least 99%, but less than 100% sequence identity to the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 3.

More specifically the invention relates in one embodiment to pullulanase variants, comprising the substitution N393A+V486C+T492S,A+N610R+G624S+T631S+S632C+E699R of the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 3, wherein the variant has pullulanase activity, and wherein the pullulanase variants have at least 75%, at least 80%, at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, or at least 99%, but less than 100% sequence identity to the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 3.

More specifically the invention relates in one embodiment to pullulanase variants, comprising the substitution N393A+V486C+T492S,A+N610R+G624S+T631S+S632C+E699R of the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 3, wherein the variant has pullulanase activity, and wherein the pullulanase variants have at least 75%, at least 80%, at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, or at least 99%, but less than 100% sequence identity to the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 3.

More specifically the invention relates in one embodiment to pullulanase variants, comprising the substitution N393A+V486C+T492S,A+N610R+G624S+T631S+S632C+E699R of the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 3, wherein the variant has pullulanase activity, and wherein the pullulanase variants have at least 75%, at least 80%, at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, or at least 99%, but less than 100% sequence identity to the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 3.

More specifically the invention relates in one embodiment to pullulanase variants, comprising the substitution N393A+V486C+T492S,A+N610R+G624S+T631S+S632C+E699R of the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 3, wherein the variant has pullulanase activity, and wherein the pullulanase variants have at least 75%, at least 80%, at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, or at least 99%, but less than 100% sequence identity to the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 3.

More specifically the invention relates in one embodiment to pullulanase variants, comprising the substitution N346S+N393A+V486C+T492S,A+N610R+G624S+T631S+S632C of the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 3, wherein the variant has pullulanase activity, and wherein the pullulanase variants have at least 75%, at least 80%, at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, or at least 99%, but less than 100% sequence identity to the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 3.

More specifically the invention relates in one embodiment to pullulanase variants, comprising the substitution N393A+F456A+V486C+T492S,A+N610R+G624S+T631S+S632C of the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 3, wherein the variant has pullulanase activity, and wherein the pullulanase variants have at least 75%, at least 80%, at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, or at least 99%, but less than 100% sequence identity to the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 3.

More specifically the invention relates in one embodiment to pullulanase variants, comprising the substitution N393A+T492S,A+N610R+G624S+T631S+S632C of the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 3, wherein the variant has pullulanase activity, and wherein the pullulanase variants have at least 75%, at least 80%, at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, or at least 99%, but less than 100% sequence identity to the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 3.

More specifically the invention relates in one embodiment to pullulanase variants, comprising the substitution N368G+N393A+T492S,A+N610R+G624S+T631S+S632C of the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 3, wherein the variant has pullulanase activity, and wherein the pullulanase variants have at least 75%, at least 80%, at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, or at least 99%, but less than 100% sequence identity to the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 3.

More specifically the invention relates in one embodiment to pullulanase variants, comprising the substitution A345P+N393A+V486C+T492S,A+N610R+G624S+T631S+S632C of the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 3, wherein the variant has pullulanase activity, and wherein the pullulanase variants have at least 75%, at least 80%, at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, or at least 99%, but less than 100% sequence identity to the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 3.

More specifically the invention relates in one embodiment to pullulanase variants, comprising the substitution N368G+K370S+I373L+N393A+V486C+T492S,A+N610R+G624S+T631S+S632C of the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 3, wherein the variant has pullulanase activity, and wherein the pullulanase variants have at least 75%, at least 80%, at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, or at least 99%, but less than 100% sequence identity to the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 3.

More specifically the invention relates in one embodiment to pullulanase variants, comprising the substitution I381V+Q385E+Q387L+N393A+V486C+T492S,A+N610R+G624S+T631S+S632C of the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 3, wherein the variant has pullulanase activity, and wherein the pullulanase variants have at least 75%, at least 80%, at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, or at least 99%, but less than 100% sequence identity to the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 3.

More specifically the invention relates in one embodiment to pullulanase variants, comprising the substitution I381V+N382T+Q385E+Q387L+N393A+V486C+T492S,A+N610R+G624S+T631S+S632C of the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 3, wherein the variant has pullulanase activity, and wherein the pullulanase variants have at least 75%, at least 80%, at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, or at least 99%, but less than 100% sequence identity to the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 3.

More specifically the invention relates in one embodiment to pullulanase variants, comprising the substitution A345P+N368G+N393A+T492S,A+N610R+G624S+T631S+S632C of the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 3, wherein the variant has pullulanase activity, and wherein the pullulanase variants have at least 75%, at least 80%, at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, or at least 99%, but less than 100% sequence identity to the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 3.

More specifically the invention relates in one embodiment to pullulanase variants, comprising the substitution N368G+I381V+Q385E+Q387L+N393A+T492S,A+N610R+G624S+T631S+S632C of the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 3, wherein the variant has pullulanase activity, and wherein the pullulanase variants have at least 75%, at least 80%, at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, or at least 99%, but less than 100% sequence identity to the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 3.

More specifically the invention relates in one embodiment to pullulanase variants, comprising the substitution A345P+N368G+I381V+Q385E+Q387L+N393A+T492S,A+N610R+G624S+T631S+S632C of the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 3, wherein the variant has pullulanase activity, and wherein the pullulanase variants have at least 75%, at least 80%, at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, or at least 99%, but less than 100% sequence identity to the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 3.

More specifically the invention relates in one embodiment to pullulanase variants, comprising the substitution A345P+N368G+I381V+Q385E+Q387L+N393A+T492S,A+N610R+G624S+T631S+S632C+V665I of the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 3, wherein the variant has pullulanase activity, and wherein the pullulanase variants have at least 75%, at least 80%, at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, or at least 99%, but less than 100% sequence identity to the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 3.

More specifically the invention relates in one embodiment to pullulanase variants, comprising the substitution N393A+T430R+Q431E+L432F+V486C+T492S,A+N610R+G624S+T631S+S632C of the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 3, wherein the variant has pullulanase activity, and wherein the pullulanase variants have at least 75%, at least 80%, at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, or at least 99%, but less than 100% sequence identity to the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 3.

More specifically the invention relates in one embodiment to pullulanase variants, comprising the substitution N393A+Q431E+L432F+V486C+T492S,A+N610R+G624S+T631S+S632C of the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 3, wherein the variant has pullulanase activity, and wherein the pullulanase variants have at least 75%, at least 80%, at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, or at least 99%, but less than 100% sequence identity to the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 3.

More specifically the invention relates in one embodiment to pullulanase variants, comprising the substitution N393A+I429V+Q431E+V486C+T492S,A+N610R+G624S+T631S+S632C of the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 3, wherein the variant has pullulanase activity, and wherein the pullulanase variants have at least 75%, at least 80%, at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, or at least 99%, but less than 100% sequence identity to the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 3.

More specifically the invention relates in one embodiment to pullulanase variants, comprising the substitution N393A+I429V+T430R+Q431E+L432F+V486C+T492S,A+N610R+G624S+T631S+S632C of the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 3, wherein the variant has pullulanase activity, and wherein the pullulanase variants have at least 75%, at least 80%, at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, or at least 99%, but less than 100% sequence identity to the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 3.

All of the above specific substitutions or combinations of substitutions have an effect of increased thermoactivity of the resulting variant when introduced in the parent disclosed as SEQ ID NO: 3. In order to test the effect of the specific substitutions in a different parent enzyme, several substitutions and combination of substitutions have been introduced in the parent enzyme disclosed herein as SEQ ID NO: 6. All the tested substitutions were shown also to be effective in SEQ ID NO: 6. SEQ ID NO: 6 has an additional 100 amino acids compared to SEQ ID NO: 3. Thus the actual position numbers are +100. The additional 100 amino acids constitute what is known as an X25 domain (domain of unknown function) of 104 amino acids and deletions corresponding to 4 amino acids in the N-terminal part. The X25 domain is found in the N-terminal part of SEQ ID NO: 6 in positions 158-261, upstream of the catalytic domain.

In a particular embodiment the variant of the invention comprises at least one of the following substitutions or combinations of specific substitutions of the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 3 or in a corresponding position in the polypeptides of SEQ ID NO: 6:

-   N368G; -   N393A; -   N610R; -   G624S; -   N368G+N393A+A492S,A; -   N368G+N393A; -   N393A+N610R; -   N368G+N393A+N610R; -   N368G+N393A+T492S,A+N610R+G624S; and wherein the variant has     pullulanase activity, and wherein the variant has at least 85%, at     least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%,     or at least 99%, but less than 100% sequence identity to the     polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 6 and wherein the variant has increased     thermoactivity compared to the pullulanase of SEQ ID NO: 6,     particularly the variant has at least 30% relative activity when     measured at 70° C. relative to activity at 65° C., more particularly     at least 40%, more particularly at least 50%, more particularly at     least 60%, more particularly at least 70%, more particularly at     least 80%, more particularly at least 90%, more particularly at     least 100%.

Similarly, in a further embodiments specific combinations of substitutions were tested in parent hybrid pullulanases disclosed herein as SEQ ID NO: 16 and SEQ ID NO: 17.

Thus in a particular embodiment the variant of the invention comprises at least one of the following substitutions or combinations of specific substitutions of the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 3 or in a corresponding position in the polypeptides of SEQ ID NO: 16 or SEQ ID NO: 17:

-   N368G+N393A+N610R+G624S+T631S+S632C; -   N368G+N393A+N610R+G624S+T631S+S632C+Q431E+L432F; -   N368G+N393A+T492S,A+N610R+G624S+T631S+S632C; or -   N368G+N393A+T492S,A+N610R+G624S+T631S+S632C+Q431E+L432F;     and wherein the variant has pullulanase activity, and wherein the     variant has at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%,     at least 97%, at least 98%, or at least 99%, but less than 100%     sequence identity to the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 16 or SEQ ID NO:     17 and wherein the variant has increased thermoactivity compared to     the pullulanase of SEQ ID NO: 16 or SEQ ID NO: 17, particularly the     variant has at least 30% relative activity when measured at 70° C.     relative to activity at 65° C., more particularly at least 40%, more     particularly at least 50%, more particularly at least 60%, more     particularly at least 70%, more particularly at least 80%, more     particularly at least 90%, more particularly at least 100%.

When the parent pullulanase is selected as SEQ ID NO: 6, SEQ ID NO: 16, or SEQ ID NO: 17, which have 100 amino acids more than e.g., SEQ ID NO: 3 the actual positions referring to SEQ ID NO: 6 SEQ ID NO: 16, or SEQ ID NO: 17, numbering will be +100. Thus as an example, N368G+N393A+A492S, would correspond to N468G+N493A+A592S in SEQ ID NO: 6.

Variant Catalytic Domain

The present invention provides a variant catalytic domain, wherein the variant catalytic domain comprises a substitution at one or more positions corresponding to positions 393, 346, 368, 370, 373, 381, 385, 387, 402, 429, 430, 456, 486, 492, 610, 631, 632, 665 and 699 of the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 3; and

-   a) wherein the variant catalytic domain has at least 85%, at least     90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, or at     least 99%, but less than 100% sequence identity to amino acids 330     to 828 of SEQ ID NO: 3; or -   b) wherein the variant catalytic domain has at least 85%, at least     90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, or at     least 99%, but less than 100% sequence identity to amino acids 430     to 928 of SEQ ID NO: 6; or -   c) wherein the variant catalytic domain has at least 85%, at least     90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, or at     least 99%, but less than 100% sequence identity to amino acids 330     to 829 of SEQ ID NO: 9; or -   d) wherein the variant catalytic domain has at least 85%, at least     90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, or at     least 99%, but less than 100% sequence identity to amino acids 430     to 928 of SEQ ID NO: 16; or -   e) wherein the variant catalytic domain has at least 85%, at least     90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, or at     least 99%, but less than 100% sequence identity to amino acids 430     to 928 of SEQ ID NO: 17.

In another aspect, a variant catalytic domain comprises a substitution at two or more positions corresponding to positions 393, 346, 368, 370, 373, 381, 385, 387, 402, 429, 430, 456, 486, 492, 610, 624, 631, 632, 665 and 699 of the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 3; and

-   a) wherein the variant catalytic domain has at least 85%, at least     90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, or at     least 99%, but less than 100% sequence identity to amino acids 330     to 828 of SEQ ID NO: 3; or -   b) wherein the variant catalytic domain has at least 85%, at least     90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, or at     least 99%, but less than 100% sequence identity to amino acids 430     to 928 of SEQ ID NO: 6; or -   c) wherein the variant catalytic domain has at least 85%, at least     90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, or at     least 99%, but less than 100% sequence identity to amino acids 330     to 829 of SEQ ID NO: 9; or -   d) wherein the variant catalytic domain has at least 85%, at least     90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, or at     least 99%, but less than 100% sequence identity to amino acids 430     to 928 of SEQ ID NO: 16; or -   e) wherein the variant catalytic domain has at least 85%, at least     90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, or at     least 99%, but less than 100% sequence identity to amino acids 430     to 928 of SEQ ID NO: 17.

In another aspect, a variant catalytic domain comprises a substitution at three or more positions corresponding to positions 393, 346, 368, 370, 373, 381, 385, 387, 402, 429, 430, 431, 456, 486, 492, 610, 624, 631, 632, 665 and 699 of the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 3; and

-   a) wherein the variant catalytic domain has at least 85%, at least     90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, or at     least 99%, but less than 100% sequence identity to amino acids 330     to 828 of SEQ ID NO: 3; or -   b) wherein the variant catalytic domain has at least 85%, at least     90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, or at     least 99%, but less than 100% sequence identity to amino acids 430     to 928 of SEQ ID NO: 6; or -   c) wherein the variant catalytic domain has at least 85%, at least     90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, or at     least 99%, but less than 100% sequence identity to amino acids 330     to 829 of SEQ ID NO: 9; or -   d) wherein the variant catalytic domain has at least 85%, at least     90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, or at     least 99%, but less than 100% sequence identity to amino acids 430     to 928 of SEQ ID NO: 16; or -   e) wherein the variant catalytic domain has at least 85%, at least     90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, or at     least 99%, but less than 100% sequence identity to amino acids 430     to 928 of SEQ ID NO: 17.

In another aspect, a variant catalytic domain comprises a four or more positions corresponding to positions 393, 346, 368, 370, 373, 381, 385, 387, 402, 429, 430, 431, 432, 456, 486, 492, 610, 624, 631, 632, 665 and 699 of the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 3; and

-   a) wherein the variant catalytic domain has at least 85%, at least     90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, or at     least 99%, but less than 100% sequence identity to amino acids 330     to 828 of SEQ ID NO: 3; or -   b) wherein the variant catalytic domain has at least 85%, at least     90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, or at     least 99%, but less than 100% sequence identity to amino acids 430     to 928 of SEQ ID NO: 6; or -   c) wherein the variant catalytic domain has at least 85%, at least     90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, or at     least 99%, but less than 100% sequence identity to amino acids 330     to 829 of SEQ ID NO: 9; or -   d) wherein the variant catalytic domain has at least 85%, at least     90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, or at     least 99%, but less than 100% sequence identity to amino acids 430     to 928 of SEQ ID NO: 16; or -   e) wherein the variant catalytic domain has at least 85%, at least     90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, or at     least 99%, but less than 100% sequence identity to amino acids 430     to 928 of SEQ ID NO: 17.

In another aspect, a variant catalytic domain comprises a five or more positions corresponding to positions 393, 345, 346, 368, 370, 373, 381, 385, 387, 402, 429, 430, 431, 432, 456, 486, 492, 610, 624, 631, 632, 665 and 699 of the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 3; and

-   a) wherein the variant catalytic domain has at least 85%, at least     90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, or at     least 99%, but less than 100% sequence identity to amino acids 330     to 828 of SEQ ID NO: 3; or -   b) wherein the variant catalytic domain has at least 85%, at least     90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, or at     least 99%, but less than 100% sequence identity to amino acids 430     to 928 of SEQ ID NO: 6; or -   c) wherein the variant catalytic domain has at least 85%, at least     90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, or at     least 99%, but less than 100% sequence identity to amino acids 330     to 829 of SEQ ID NO: 9; or -   d) wherein the variant catalytic domain has at least 85%, at least     90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, or at     least 99%, but less than 100% sequence identity to amino acids 430     to 928 of SEQ ID NO: 16; or -   e) wherein the variant catalytic domain has at least 85%, at least     90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, or at     least 99%, but less than 100% sequence identity to amino acids 430     to 928 of SEQ ID NO: 17.

In another aspect, a variant catalytic domain comprises a substitution at six or more positions corresponding to positions 393, 345, 346, 368, 370, 373, 381, 382, 385, 387, 402, 429, 430, 431, 432, 456, 486, 492, 610, 624, 631, 632, 665 and 699 of the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 3; and

-   a) wherein the variant catalytic domain has at least 85%, at least     90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, or at     least 99%, but less than 100% sequence identity to amino acids 330     to 828 of SEQ ID NO: 3; or -   b) wherein the variant catalytic domain has at least 85%, at least     90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, or at     least 99%, but less than 100% sequence identity to amino acids 430     to 928 of SEQ ID NO: 6; or -   c) wherein the variant catalytic domain has at least 85%, at least     90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, or at     least 99%, but less than 100% sequence identity to amino acids 330     to 829 of SEQ ID NO: 9; or -   d) wherein the variant catalytic domain has at least 85%, at least     90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, or at     least 99%, but less than 100% sequence identity to amino acids 430     to 928 of SEQ ID NO: 16; or -   e) wherein the variant catalytic domain has at least 85%, at least     90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, or at     least 99%, but less than 100% sequence identity to amino acids 430     to 928 of SEQ ID NO: 17.

In a further embodiment the present invention relates to a pullulanase variant comprising the variant catalytic domain according to the invention, wherein the pullulanase variant has pullulanase activity and increased thermoactivity compared to the parent pullulanase, and the variant has at least 60% relative activity when measured at 70° C. relative to activity at 65° C., more particularly at least 65%, more particularly at least 70%, more particularly at least 60%, more particularly at least 75%, more particularly at least 80%, more particularly at least 90%, more particularly at least 100%.

The pullulanase variant comprising the variant catalytic domain, comprises one or more substitutions selected from the group consisting of 393A, 345P, 346S, 368G, 370S, 373L, 381V, 382T, 385F, 387L, 402T, 429V, 430R, 431E, 432F, 456A, 486C, 492S,A, 610R,L, 624S, 631S, 632C, 665I and 699R corresponding to positions of polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 3.

According to the invention several variant catalytic domains (CD) have been constructed and it has further been shown in the examples that the resulting variant pullulanases having increased thermo-activity can be further modified by replacing the N-terminal part of the mature pullulanase and at the same time retain the improved properties, e.g., increased thermo-activity.

Pullulanases may comprise N-terminal parts comprising domains selected from a CBM41 domain, an X45 domain and a CBM48 domain. Thus in one embodiment the pullulanase variant according to the invention, further comprises an N-terminal part comprising at least one of the domains selected from a CBM41 domain, an X45 domain and a CBM48 domain. In one embodiment all of these domains may be present.

The pullulanase variant according to the invention may further comprise an X25 domain. Preferably the N-terminal domains are selected from CBM41, X45, X25, and CBM48 obtainable from a Bacillus bacterium. Particularly the Bacillus species is Bacillus acidopullulyticus or Bacillus deramificans.

In a particular embodiment the pullulanase variant according to the invention comprises or consists of one or more substitutions selected from the group consisting of 393A, 368G, 492S,A, 610R,L, 624S, 631S, 632C, 431E, 432F. More particularly the variant catalytic domain comprises at least one of the following substitutions or combinations of substitutions:

-   368G+393A+492S,A; -   368G+393A+T492A,S+610R+624S; -   393A+492S,A+610R+624S+631S+632C; -   368G+393A+492S,A+610R+624S+631S+632C; -   368G+393A+492S,A+610R+624S+631S+632C+431E+432F; -   368G+393A+610R+624S+631S+632C; or -   368G+393A+610R+624S+631S+632C+431E+432F;     and -   a) wherein the variant catalytic domain has at least 85%, at least     90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, or at     least 99%, but less than 100% sequence identity to amino acids 330     to 828 of SEQ ID NO: 3; or -   b) wherein the variant catalytic domain has at least 85%, at least     90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, or at     least 99%, but less than 100% sequence identity to amino acids 430     to 928 of SEQ ID NO: 6; or -   c) wherein the variant catalytic domain has at least 85%, at least     90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, or at     least 99%, but less than 100% sequence identity to amino acids 330     to 829 of SEQ ID NO: 9; or -   d) wherein the variant catalytic domain has at least 85%, at least     90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, or at     least 99%, but less than 100% sequence identity to amino acids 430     to 928 of SEQ ID NO: 16; or -   e) wherein the variant catalytic domain has at least 85%, at least     90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, or at     least 99%, but less than 100% sequence identity to amino acids 430     to 928 of SEQ ID NO: 17.

Particular examples of variants according to the invention, in which N-terminal part have been replaced are further described in the examples. Thus in further particular embodiments the invention relates to pullulanase variant selected from SEQ ID NO: 20 or a pullulanase having at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, or at least 99%, or 100% sequence identity to the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 20, and comprising the substitutions N368G+N393A+N610R+G624S+T631S+S632C, using SEQ ID NO: 3 for numbering. In another particular embodiment the invention relates to pullulanase variant selected from SEQ ID NO: 21 or a pullulanase having at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, or at least 99%, or 100% sequence identity to the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 21, and comprising the substitutions N368G+N393A+A492S,A, using SEQ ID NO: 3 for numbering. In another particular embodiment the invention relates to pullulanase variant selected from SEQ ID NO: 22 or a pullulanase having at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, or at least 99%, or 100% sequence identity to the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 22, and comprising the substitutions N368G+N393A+T492S,A+N610R+G624S, using SEQ ID NO: 3 for numbering. In another particular embodiment the invention relates to pullulanase variant selected from SEQ ID NO: 23 or a pullulanase having at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, or at least 99%, or 100% sequence identity to the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 23, and comprising the substitutions N368G+N393A+T492S,A+N610R+G624S, using SEQ ID NO: 3 for numbering. In another particular embodiment the invention relates to pullulanase variant selected from SEQ ID NO: 24 or a pullulanase having at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, or at least 99%, or 100% sequence identity to the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 24, and comprising the substitutions N368G+N393A+T492S,A+N610R+G624S+T631S+S632C, using SEQ ID NO: 3 for numbering. In another particular embodiment the invention relates to pullulanase variant selected from SEQ ID NO: 25 or a pullulanase having at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, or at least 99%, or 100% sequence identity to the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 25, and comprising the substitutions N368G+N393A+T492S,A+N610R+G624S+T631S+S632C, using SEQ ID NO: 3 for numbering. In another particular embodiment the invention relates to pullulanase variant selected from SEQ ID NO: 26 or a pullulanase having at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, or at least 99%, or 100% sequence identity to the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 26, and comprising the substitutions N368G+N393A+N610R+G624S+T631S+S632C+Q431E+L432F, using SEQ ID NO: 3 for numbering. In another particular embodiment the invention relates to pullulanase variant selected from SEQ ID NO: 27 or a pullulanase having at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, or at least 99%, or 100% sequence identity to the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 27, and comprising the substitutions N368G+N393A+T492S,A+N610R+G624S+T631S+S632C+Q431E+L432F, using SEQ ID NO: 3 for numbering. In another particular embodiment the invention relates to pullulanase variant selected from SEQ ID NO: 28 or a pullulanase having at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, or at least 99%, or 100% sequence identity to the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 28, and comprising the substitutions N368G+N393A+T492S,A+N610R+G624S+T631S+S632C+Q431E+L432F, using SEQ ID NO: 3 for numbering.

In a further aspect of the invention thermoactivity may be further improved by the addition of further specific substitutions (using SEQ ID NO: 6 for numbering) selected from one of the following substitutions or combinations of substitutions:

-   Q258A; -   Q287R; -   Q352A; -   Q356R; -   Q258A+Q352A+Q356R; -   Q258A+Q287R+Q352A+Q356R; -   V212I; -   H186A; -   V212I+Q258A+Q287R+Q352A+Q356R; -   H186A+V212I+Q258A+Q287R+Q352A+Q356R; -   Y27K+H79Y+V212I+Q258A+Q287R+Q352A+Q356R; -   Q258A+Q287R+N322P+Q352A+Q356R; -   H186A+V212I+Q258A+Q287R+N322P+Q352A+Q356R; -   H186A+V212I+Q258A+Q287R+Q352A+Q356R; -   H186A+V212I+Q258A+Q287R+N322P+Q352A+Q356R; -   Y27K+H79Y+H186A+V212I+Q258A+Q287R+Q352A+Q356R; -   Y27K+H79Y+H186A+V212I+Q258A+Q287R+N322P+Q352A+Q356R; -   Y27K+H79Y+H186A+V212I+Q258A+Q287R+N322P+Q352A+Q356R+D686S; -   N19G+Y27K+H79Y+H186A+V212I+Q258A+Q287R+N322P+Q352A+Q356R+D686S; -   N19G+Y27K+H79Y+H186A+V212I+Q258A+Q287R+G296R+N322P+Q352A+Q356R+D686S; -   Y27K+H79Y+H186A+V212I+Q258A+Q287R+N322P+Q352A+Q356R+V586A+D686S; -   Y27K+H79Y+H186A+V212I+Q258A+Q287R+N322P+Q352A+Q356R+D686S+E799R; -   N19G+Y27K+H79Y+H186A+V212I+Q258A+Q287R+N322P+Q352A+Q356R+V586A+D686S; -   N19G+Y27K+H79Y+H186A+V212I+Q258A+Q287R+N322P+Q352A+Q356R+D686S+E799R; -   N19G+Y27K+H79Y+H186A+V212I+Q258A+Q287R+N322P+Q352A+Q356R+Q485E+D686S+E799R; -   N19G+Y27K+H79Y+H186A+V212I+Q258A+Q287R+N322P+Q352A+Q356R+Q487L+D686S+E799R; -   N19G+Y27K+H79Y+H186A+V212I+Q258A+Q287R+N322P+Q352A+Q356R+V586A+D686S+E799R; -   N19G+Y27K+H79Y+H186A+V212I+Q258A+Q287R+G296R+N322P+Q352A+Q356R+V586A+D686S+E799R; -   N19G+Y27K+H79Y+H186A+V212I+Q258A+Q287R+G296R+N322P+Q352A+Q356R+Q487L+V586A+D686S+E799R; -   N19G+Y27K+H79Y+H186A+V212I+Q258A+Q287R+N322P+Q352A+Q356R+Q487L+D686S+0732S+E799R; -   N19G+Y27K+H79Y+H186A+V212I+Q258A+Q287R+N322P+Q352A+Q356R+Q487L+D686S+0732S+E799R; -   N19G+Y27K+H79Y+H186A+V212I+Q258A+Q287R+N322P+Q352A+Q356R+Q487L+S557A+L559G+D686S+E799R; -   N19G+Y27K+H79Y+H186A+V212I+Q258A+Q287R+N322P+Q352A+Q356R+H421E+Q487L+S557A+L559G+V586A+D686S+E799R.

In a particular embodiment the invention relates to pullulanase variants selected from a pullulanase having at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, or at least 99% sequence identity to the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 26, and comprising the substitutions (using SEQ ID NO: 6 for numbering) N468G+N493A+N710R+G724S+T731S+S732C+Q531E+L532F, and wherein the variants further comprises one of the following substitutions or combinations of substitutions:

-   Q258A; -   Q287R; -   Q352A; -   Q356R; -   Q258A+Q352A+Q356R; -   Q258A+Q287R+Q352A+Q356R; -   V212I; -   H186A; -   V212I+Q258A+Q287R+Q352A+Q356R; -   H186A+V212I+Q258A+Q287R+Q352A+Q356R; -   Y27K+H79Y+V212I+Q258A+Q287R+Q352A+Q356R; -   Q258A+Q287R+N322P+Q352A+Q356R; -   H186A+V212I+Q258A+Q287R+N322P+Q352A+Q356R; -   H186A+V212I+Q258A+Q287R+Q352A+Q356R; -   H186A+V212I+Q258A+Q287R+N322P+Q352A+Q356R; -   Y27K+H79Y+H186A+V212I+Q258A+Q287R+Q352A+Q356R; -   Y27K+H79Y+H186A+V212I+Q258A+Q287R+N322P+Q352A+Q356R; -   Y27K+H79Y+H186A+V212I+Q258A+Q287R+N322P+Q352A+Q356R+D686S; -   N19G+Y27K+H79Y+H186A+V212I+Q258A+Q287R+N322P+Q352A+Q356R+D686S; -   N19G+Y27K+H79Y+H186A+V212I+Q258A+Q287R+G296R+N322P+Q352A+Q356R+D686S; -   Y27K+H79Y+H186A+V212I+Q258A+Q287R+N322P+Q352A+Q356R+V586A+D686S; -   Y27K+H79Y+H186A+V212I+Q258A+Q287R+N322P+Q352A+Q356R+D686S+E799R; -   N19G+Y27K+H79Y+H186A+V212I+Q258A+Q287R+N322P+Q352A+Q356R+V586A+D686S; -   N19G+Y27K+H79Y+H186A+V212I+Q258A+Q287R+N322P+Q352A+Q356R+D686S+E799R; -   N19G+Y27K+H79Y+H186A+V212I+Q258A+Q287R+N322P+Q352A+Q356R+Q485E+D686S+E799R; -   N19G+Y27K+H79Y+H186A+V212I+Q258A+Q287R+N322P+Q352A+Q356R+Q487L+D686S+E799R; -   N19G+Y27K+H79Y+H186A+V212I+Q258A+Q287R+N322P+Q352A+Q356R+V586A+D686S+E799R; -   N19G+Y27K+H79Y+H186A+V212I+Q258A+Q287R+G296R+N322P+Q352A+Q356R+V586A+D686S+E799R; -   N19G+Y27K+H79Y+H186A+V212I+Q258A+Q287R+G296R+N322P+Q352A+Q356R+Q487L+V586A+D686S+E799R; -   N19G+Y27K+H79Y+H186A+V212I+Q258A+Q287R+N322P+Q352A+Q356R+Q487L+D686S+0732S+E799R; -   N19G+Y27K+H79Y+H186A+V212I+Q258A+Q287R+N322P+Q352A+Q356R+Q487L+D686S+0732S+E799R; -   N19G+Y27K+H79Y+H186A+V212I+Q258A+Q287R+N322P+Q352A+Q356R+Q487L+S557A+L559G+D686S+E799R; -   N19G+Y27K+H79Y+H186A+V212I+Q258A+Q287R+N322P+Q352A+Q356R+H421E+Q487L+S557A+L559G+V586A+D686S+E799R;     said variants having at least 60% relative activity when measured at     72° C. relative to activity at 65° C. using the PHADEBAS assay.

In a further particular embodiment the invention relates to pullulanase variants selected from a pullulanase having at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, or at least 99% sequence identity to the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 27, and comprising the substitutions (using SEQ ID NO: 6 for numbering) N468G+N493A+T592S,A+N710R+G724S+T731S+S732C+Q531E+L532F, and wherein the variants further comprises one of the following substitutions or combinations of substitutions:

-   Q258A; -   Q287R; -   Q352A; -   Q356R; -   Q258A+Q352A+Q356R; -   Q258A+Q287R+Q352A+Q356R; -   V212I; -   H186A; -   V212I+Q258A+Q287R+Q352A+Q356R; -   H186A+V212I+Q258A+Q287R+Q352A+Q356R; -   Y27K+H79Y+V212I+Q258A+Q287R+Q352A+Q356R; -   Q258A+Q287R+N322P+Q352A+Q356R; -   H186A+V212I+Q258A+Q287R+N322P+Q352A+Q356R; -   H186A+V212I+Q258A+Q287R+Q352A+Q356R; -   H186A+V212I+Q258A+Q287R+N322P+Q352A+Q356R; -   Y27K+H79Y+H186A+V212I+Q258A+Q287R+Q352A+Q356R; -   Y27K+H79Y+H186A+V212I+Q258A+Q287R+N322P+Q352A+Q356R; -   Y27K+H79Y+H186A+V212I+Q258A+Q287R+N322P+Q352A+Q356R+D686S; -   N19G+Y27K+H79Y+H186A+V212I+Q258A+Q287R+N322P+Q352A+Q356R+D686S; -   N19G+Y27K+H79Y+H186A+V212I+Q258A+Q287R+G296R+N322P+Q352A+Q356R+D686S; -   Y27K+H79Y+H186A+V212I+Q258A+Q287R+N322P+Q352A+Q356R+V586A+D686S; -   Y27K+H79Y+H186A+V212I+Q258A+Q287R+N322P+Q352A+Q356R+D686S+E799R; -   N19G+Y27K+H79Y+H186A+V212I+Q258A+Q287R+N322P+Q352A+Q356R+V586A+D686S; -   N19G+Y27K+H79Y+H186A+V212I+Q258A+Q287R+N322P+Q352A+Q356R+D686S+E799R; -   N19G+Y27K+H79Y+H186A+V212I+Q258A+Q287R+N322P+Q352A+Q356R+Q485E+D686S+E799R; -   N19G+Y27K+H79Y+H186A+V212I+Q258A+Q287R+N322P+Q352A+Q356R+Q487L+D686S+E799R; -   N19G+Y27K+H79Y+H186A+V212I+Q258A+Q287R+N322P+Q352A+Q356R+V586A+D686S+E799R; -   N19G+Y27K+H79Y+H186A+V212I+Q258A+Q287R+G296R+N322P+Q352A+Q356R+V586A+D686S+E799R; -   N19G+Y27K+H79Y+H186A+V212I+Q258A+Q287R+G296R+N322P+Q352A+Q356R+Q487L+V586A+D686S+E799R; -   N19G+Y27K+H79Y+H186A+V212I+Q258A+Q287R+N322P+Q352A+Q356R+Q487L+D686S+0732S+E799R; -   N19G+Y27K+H79Y+H186A+V212I+Q258A+Q287R+N322P+Q352A+Q356R+Q487L+D686S+0732S+E799R; -   N19G+Y27K+H79Y+H186A+V212I+Q258A+Q287R+N322P+Q352A+Q356R+Q487L+S557A+L559G+D686S+E799R; -   N19G+Y27K+H79Y+H186A+V212I+Q258A+Q287R+N322P+Q352A+Q356R+H421E+Q487L+S557A+L559G+V586A+D686S+E799R;     said variants having at least 60% relative activity when measured at     72° C. relative to activity at 65° C. using the PHADEBAS assay.

In another aspect of the invention thermoactivity may be further improved by the addition of further specific substitutions (using SEQ ID NO: 3 for numbering) selected from one of the following substitutions or combinations of substitutions:

-   Y27K+H79Y+Q187R+S798R; -   Y27K+H79Y+Q187R+D586S+S798R; -   Y27K+H79Y+Q187R+D586S+E699R+S798R; -   Y27K+H79Y+Q187R+T486S+D586S+S798R; -   N19G+Y27K+H79Y+Q187R+T486C+D586S+E699R+S798R; -   N19G+Y27K+H79Y+Q187R+Q385E+T486C+D586S+E699R+S798R; -   N19G+Y27K+H79Y+Q187R+Q387L+T486C+D586S+E699R+S798R; -   N19G+Y27K+H79Y+Q187R+Q387L+Q459G+T486C+D586S+C632S+E699R+S798R; -   N19G+Y27K+H79Y+Q187R+Q387L+T486C+D586S+C632S+Q675L+E699R+S798R; -   N19G+Y27K+H79Y+Q187R+V196R+Q387L+T486C+D586S+C632S+E699R+S798R; -   N19G+Y27K+H79Y+Q187R+V196R+Q387L+T486C+D586S+C632S+Q675L+E699R+S798R; -   N19G+Y27K+H79Y+Q187R+V196R+Q387L+Q459G+T486C+D586S+C632S+Q675L+E699R+S798R; -   N19G+Y27K+H79Y+Q187R+Q387L+D586S+E699R+S798R; -   N19G+Y27K+H79Y+Q187R+H321E+Q387L+D586S+E699R+S798R; -   N19G+Y27K+H79Y+Q187R+Q387L+Q459G+D586S+E699R+S798R; -   N19G+Y27K+H79Y+Q187R+Q387L+D586S+C632S+E699R+S798R; -   N19G+Y27K+H79Y+Q187R+E310A+D311K+Q387L+D586S+E699R+S798R; -   N19G+Y27K+H79Y+Q187R+E310A+D311K+Q387L+Q459G+D586S+E699R+S798R.

In a particular embodiment the invention relates to pullulanase variants selected from a pullulanase having at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, or at least 99% sequence identity to the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 28, and comprising the substitutions (using SEQ ID NO: 3 for numbering)

-   N368G+N393A+T492S,A+N610R+G624S+T631S+S632C+Q431E+L432F, and wherein     the variants further comprises one of the following substitutions or     combinations of substitutions: -   Y27K+H79Y+Q187R+S798R; -   Y27K+H79Y+Q187R+D586S+S798R; -   Y27K+H79Y+Q187R+D586S+E699R+S798R; -   Y27K+H79Y+Q187R+T486S+D586S+S798R; -   N19G+Y27K+H79Y+Q187R+T486C+D586S+E699R+S798R; -   N19G+Y27K+H79Y+Q187R+Q385E+T486C+D586S+E699R+S798R; -   N19G+Y27K+H79Y+Q187R+Q387L+T486C+D586S+E699R+S798R; -   N19G+Y27K+H79Y+Q187R+Q387L+Q459G+T486C+D586S+C632S+E699R+S798R; -   N19G+Y27K+H79Y+Q187R+Q387L+T486C+D586S+C632S+Q675L+E699R+S798R; -   N19G+Y27K+H79Y+Q187R+V196R+Q387L+T486C+D586S+C632S+E699R+S798R; -   N19G+Y27K+H79Y+Q187R+V196R+Q387L+T486C+D586S+C632S+Q675L+E699R+S798R; -   N19G+Y27K+H79Y+Q187R+V196R+Q387L+Q459G+T486C+D586S+C632S+Q675L+E699R+S798R; -   N19G+Y27K+H79Y+Q187R+Q387L+D586S+E699R+S798R; -   N19G+Y27K+H79Y+Q187R+H321E+Q387L+D586S+E699R+S798R; -   N19G+Y27K+H79Y+Q187R+Q387L+Q459G+D586S+E699R+S798R; -   N19G+Y27K+H79Y+Q187R+Q387L+D586S+C632S+E699R+S798R; -   N19G+Y27K+H79Y+Q187R+E310A+D311K+Q387L+D586S+E699R+S798R; -   N19G+Y27K+H79Y+Q187R+E310A+D311K+Q387L+Q459G+D586S+E699R+S798R, said     variants having at least 30% relative activity when measured at     76° C. relative to activity at 65° C. using the PHADEBAS assay.

The variants may further comprise one or more additional substitutions at one or more (e.g., several) other positions. Such further variation could be introduced without affecting significantly the properties of the pullulanase variants.

The amino acid changes may be of a minor nature, that is conservative amino acid substitutions or insertions that do not significantly affect the folding and/or activity of the protein; small deletions, typically of 1-30 amino acids; small amino- or carboxyl-terminal extensions, such as an amino-terminal methionine residue; a small linker peptide of up to 20-25 residues; or a small extension that facilitates purification by changing net charge or another function, such as a poly-histidine tract, an antigenic epitope or a binding domain.

Examples of conservative substitutions are within the groups of basic amino acids (arginine, lysine and histidine), acidic amino acids (glutamic acid and aspartic acid), polar amino acids (glutamine and asparagine), hydrophobic amino acids (leucine, isoleucine and valine), aromatic amino acids (phenylalanine, tryptophan and tyrosine), and small amino acids (glycine, alanine, serine, threonine and methionine). Amino acid substitutions that do not generally alter specific activity are known in the art and are described, for example, by H. Neurath and R. L. Hill, 1979, In, The Proteins, Academic Press, New York. Common substitutions are Ala/Ser, Val/Ile, Asp/Glu, Thr/Ser, Ala/Gly, Ala/Thr, Ser/Asn, Ala/Val, Ser/Gly, Tyr/Phe, Ala/Pro, Lys/Arg, Asp/Asn, Leu/Ile, Leu/Val, Ala/Glu, and Asp/Gly.

Alternatively, the amino acid changes are of such a nature that the physico-chemical properties of the polypeptides are altered. For example, amino acid changes may improve the thermal stability of the polypeptide, alter the substrate specificity, change the pH optimum, and the like.

Essential amino acids in a polypeptide can be identified according to procedures known in the art, such as site-directed mutagenesis or alanine-scanning mutagenesis (Cunningham and Wells, 1989, Science 244: 1081-1085). In the latter technique, single alanine mutations are introduced at every residue in the molecule, and the resultant mutant molecules are tested for pullulanase activity to identify amino acid residues that are critical to the activity of the molecule. See also, Hilton et al., 1996, J. Biol. Chem. 271: 4699-4708. The active site of the enzyme or other biological interaction can also be determined by physical analysis of structure, as determined by such techniques as nuclear magnetic resonance, crystallography, electron diffraction, or photoaffinity labeling, in conjunction with mutation of putative contact site amino acids. See, for example, de Vos et al., 1992, Science 255: 306-312; Smith et al., 1992, J. Mol. Biol. 224: 899-904; Wlodaver et al., 1992, FEBS Lett. 309: 59-64. The identity of essential amino acids can also be inferred from an alignment with a related polypeptide.

Parent Pullulanase

The parent pullulanase, may be a hybrid enzyme, e.g., P008 (SEQ ID NO: 3), as described herein obtained by combining an N-terminal fragment of the pullulanase derived from Bacillus acidopullulyticus described in WO 2009/075682 (SEQ ID NO: 4 in WO2009/075682; GENESEQP: AXB71624), fused to a C-terminal fragment of a pullulanase derived from a Bacillus deramificans strain isolated from a humus sample collected in Denmark (a homologous pullulanase from Bacillus deramificans was disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,074,854 and 5,817,498). Further parent pullulanases disclosed herein include P258, disclosed herein as SEQ ID NO: 16 or P243, disclosed herein as SEQ ID NO: 17, P006 disclosed herein as SEQ ID NO: 19.

The parent pullulanase may also be any wildtype, or variant or hybrid pullulanase that may advantageously be improved by increasing the thermo-activity by introducing one or more substitutions as specified herein.

The parent pullulanase may be (a) a polypeptide having at least 70% sequence identity to the mature polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 2 or 5 or 8; (b) a polypeptide encoded by a polynucleotide that hybridizes under low stringency conditions with (i) the mature polypeptide coding sequence of SEQ ID NO: 1 or 4 or 7, (ii) the full-length complement of (i) or (c) a polypeptide encoded by a polynucleotide having at least 60% sequence identity to the mature polypeptide coding sequence of SEQ ID NO: 1 or 4 or 7.

In an aspect, the parent has a sequence identity to the mature polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 2 or 5 or 8 of at least 75%, at least 80%, at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 91%, at least 92%, at least 93%, at least 94%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, at least 99%, or 100%, which have pullulanase activity. In one aspect, the amino acid sequence of the parent differs by up to 10 amino acids, e.g., 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, or 10, from the mature polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 2 or 5 or 8.

In another aspect, the parent comprises or consists of the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 2 or 5 or 8. In another aspect, the parent comprises or consists of the mature polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 2 or 5 or 8. In another aspect, the parent comprises or consists of amino acids 34 to 861 of SEQ ID NO: 2; 30 to 957 of SEQ ID NO: 5 or 34 to 862 of SEQ ID NO: 8 respectively.

In another embodiment, the parent is an allelic variant of the mature polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 2 or 5 or 8.

In another aspect, the parent is encoded by a polynucleotide that hybridizes under very low stringency conditions, low stringency conditions, medium stringency conditions, medium-high stringency conditions, high stringency conditions, or very high stringency conditions with (i) the mature polypeptide coding sequence of SEQ ID NO: 1 or 4 or 7, (ii) the full-length complement of (i) (Sambrook et al., 1989, Molecular Cloning, A Laboratory Manual, 2d edition, Cold Spring Harbor, N.Y.).

The polynucleotide of SEQ ID NO: 1 or 4 or 7 and their subsequence thereof, as well as the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 2 or 5 or 8 and their fragment thereof, may be used to design nucleic acid probes to identify and clone DNA encoding a parent from strains of different genera or species according to methods well known in the art. In particular, such probes can be used for hybridization with the genomic DNA or cDNA of a cell of interest, following standard Southern blotting procedures, in order to identify and isolate the corresponding gene therein. Such probes can be considerably shorter than the entire sequence, but should be at least 15, e.g., at least 25, at least 35, or at least 70 nucleotides in length. Preferably, the nucleic acid probe is at least 100 nucleotides in length, e.g., at least 200 nucleotides, at least 300 nucleotides, at least 400 nucleotides, at least 500 nucleotides, at least 600 nucleotides, at least 700 nucleotides, at least 800 nucleotides, or at least 900 nucleotides in length. Both DNA and RNA probes can be used. The probes are typically labeled for detecting the corresponding gene (for example, with ³²P, ³H, ³⁵S, biotin, or avidin). Such probes are encompassed by the present invention.

A genomic DNA or cDNA library prepared from such other strains may be screened for DNA that hybridizes with the probes described above and encodes a parent. Genomic or other DNA from such other strains may be separated by agarose or polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis, or other separation techniques. DNA from the libraries or the separated DNA may be transferred to and immobilized on nitrocellulose or other suitable carrier material. In order to identify a clone or DNA that hybridizes with SEQ ID NO: 1 or 4 or 7 or a subsequence thereof, the carrier material is used in a Southern blot.

For purposes of the present invention, hybridization indicates that the polynucleotide hybridizes to a labeled nucleic acid probe corresponding to (i) SEQ ID NO: 1 or 4 or 7; (ii) the mature polypeptide coding sequence of SEQ ID NO: 1 or 4 or 7; (iii) the full-length complement thereof; or (iv) a subsequence thereof; under very low to very high stringency conditions. Molecules to which the nucleic acid probe hybridizes under these conditions can be detected using, for example, X-ray film or any other detection means known in the art.

In one aspect, the nucleic acid probe is the mature polypeptide coding sequence of SEQ ID NO: 1, 4 or 7. In another aspect, the nucleic acid probe is nucleotides 100 to 2583 of SEQ ID NO: 1; nucleotides 88 to 2871 of SEQ ID NO: 4 or nucleotides 100 to 2586 of SEQ ID NO: 7. In another aspect, the nucleic acid probe is a polynucleotide that encodes the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 2, 5 or 8; the mature polypeptide thereof; or a fragment thereof. In another aspect, the nucleic acid probe is SEQ ID NO: 1, 4, or 7.

In another embodiment, the parent is encoded by a polynucleotide having a sequence identity to the mature polypeptide coding sequence of SEQ ID NO: 1 of at least 60%, e.g., at least 65%, at least 70%, at least 75%, at least 80%, at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 91%, at least 92%, at least 93%, at least 94%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, at least 99%, or 100%.

The polypeptide may be a hybrid polypeptide in which a region of one polypeptide is fused at the N-terminus or the C-terminus of a region of another polypeptide.

The parent may be a fusion polypeptide or cleavable fusion polypeptide in which another polypeptide is fused at the N-terminus or the C-terminus of the polypeptide of the present invention. A fusion polypeptide is produced by fusing a polynucleotide encoding another polypeptide to a polynucleotide of the present invention. Techniques for producing fusion polypeptides are known in the art, and include ligating the coding sequences encoding the polypeptides so that they are in frame and that expression of the fusion polypeptide is under control of the same promoter(s) and terminator. Fusion polypeptides may also be constructed using intein technology in which fusion polypeptides are created post-translationally (Cooper et al., 1993, EMBO J. 12: 2575-2583; Dawson et al., 1994, Science 266: 776-779).

A fusion polypeptide can further comprise a cleavage site between the two polypeptides. Upon secretion of the fusion protein, the site is cleaved releasing the two polypeptides. Examples of cleavage sites include, but are not limited to, the sites disclosed in Martin et al., 2003, J. Ind. Microbiol. Biotechnol. 3: 568-576; Svetina et al., 2000, J. Biotechnol. 76: 245-251; Rasmussen-Wilson et al., 1997, Appl. Environ. Microbiol. 63: 3488-3493; Ward et al., 1995, Biotechnology 13: 498-503; and Contreras et al., 1991, Biotechnology 9: 378-381; Eaton et al., 1986, Biochemistry 25: 505-512; Collins-Racie et al., 1995, Biotechnology 13: 982-987; Carter et al., 1989, Proteins: Structure, Function, and Genetics 6: 240-248; and Stevens, 2003, Drug Discovery World 4: 35-48.

The parent may be obtained from microorganisms of any genus. For purposes of the present invention, the term “obtained from” as used herein in connection with a given source shall mean that the parent encoded by a polynucleotide is produced by the source or by a strain in which the polynucleotide from the source has been inserted. In one aspect, the parent is secreted extracellularly.

The parent may be a bacterial pullulanase for example, the parent may be a Gram-positive bacterial polypeptide such as a Bacillus.

In one aspect, the parent is a Bacillus acidopullulyticus, or Bacillus deramificans pullulanase.

In another aspect, the parent is a Bacillus pullulanase, e.g., the pullulanase of SEQ ID NO: 2 or 5 or 8 or the mature polypeptide thereof.

It will be understood that for the aforementioned species, the invention encompasses both the perfect and imperfect states, and other taxonomic equivalents, e.g., anamorphs, regardless of the species name by which they are known. Those skilled in the art will readily recognize the identity of appropriate equivalents.

Strains of these species are readily accessible to the public in a number of culture collections, such as the American Type Culture Collection (ATCC), Deutsche Sammlung von Mikroorganismen und Zellkulturen GmbH (DSMZ), Centraalbureau Voor Schimmelcultures (CBS), and Agricultural Research Service Patent Culture Collection, Northern Regional Research Center (NRRL).

The parent may be identified and obtained from other sources including microorganisms isolated from nature (e.g., soil, composts, water, etc.) or DNA samples obtained directly from natural materials (e.g., soil, composts, water, etc.) using the above-mentioned probes. Techniques for isolating microorganisms and DNA directly from natural habitats are well known in the art. A polynucleotide encoding a parent may then be obtained by similarly screening a genomic DNA or cDNA library of another microorganism or mixed DNA sample. Once a polynucleotide encoding a parent has been detected with the probe(s), the polynucleotide can be isolated or cloned by utilizing techniques that are known to those of ordinary skill in the art (see, e.g., Sambrook et al., 1989, supra).

Preparation of Variants

The present invention also relates to methods for obtaining a variant having pullulanase activity, comprising: (a) introducing into a parent pullulanase a substitution at one or more (e.g., several) positions corresponding to positions 393, 143, 150, 243, 244, 345, 346, 368, 370, 373, 381, 382, 385, 387, 402, 429, 430, 431, 432, 456, 486, 492, 610, 624, 631, 632, 665 and 699 of the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 3, 6, 9 or hybrids thereof, wherein the variant has pullulanase activity; and (b) recovering the variant.

The variants can be prepared using any mutagenesis procedure known in the art, such as site-directed mutagenesis, synthetic gene construction, semi-synthetic gene construction, random mutagenesis, shuffling, etc.

Site-directed mutagenesis is a technique in which one or more (e.g., several) mutations are introduced at one or more defined sites in a polynucleotide encoding the parent.

Site-directed mutagenesis can be accomplished in vitro by PCR involving the use of oligonucleotide primers containing the desired mutation. Site-directed mutagenesis can also be performed in vitro by cassette mutagenesis involving the cleavage by a restriction enzyme at a site in the plasmid comprising a polynucleotide encoding the parent and subsequent ligation of an oligonucleotide containing the mutation in the polynucleotide. Usually the restriction enzyme that digests the plasmid and the oligonucleotide is the same, permitting sticky ends of the plasmid and the insert to ligate to one another. See, e.g., Scherer and Davis, 1979, Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 76: 4949-4955; and Barton et al., 1990, Nucleic Acids Res. 18: 7349-4966.

Site-directed mutagenesis can also be accomplished in vivo by methods known in the art. See, e.g., U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2004/0171154; Storici et al., 2001, Nature Biotechnol. 19: 773-776; Kren et al., 1998, Nat. Med. 4: 285-290; and Calissano and Macino, 1996, Fungal Genet. Newslett. 43: 15-16.

Any site-directed mutagenesis procedure can be used in the present invention. There are many commercial kits available that can be used to prepare variants.

Synthetic gene construction entails in vitro synthesis of a designed polynucleotide molecule to encode a polypeptide of interest. Gene synthesis can be performed utilizing a number of techniques, such as the multiplex microchip-based technology described by Tian et al. (2004, Nature 432: 1050-1054) and similar technologies wherein oligonucleotides are synthesized and assembled upon photo-programmable microfluidic chips.

Single or multiple amino acid substitutions, deletions, and/or insertions can be made and tested using known methods of mutagenesis, recombination, and/or shuffling, followed by a relevant screening procedure, such as those disclosed by Reidhaar-Olson and Sauer, 1988, Science 241: 53-57; Bowie and Sauer, 1989, Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 86: 2152-2156; WO 95/17413; or WO 95/22625. Other methods that can be used include error-prone PCR, phage display (e.g., Lowman et al., 1991, Biochemistry 30: 10832-10837; U.S. Pat. No. 5,223,409; WO 92/06204) and region-directed mutagenesis (Derbyshire et al., 1986, Gene 46: 145; Ner et al., 1988, DNA 7: 127).

Mutagenesis/shuffling methods can be combined with high-throughput, automated screening methods to detect activity of cloned, mutagenized polypeptides expressed by host cells (Ness et al., 1999, Nature Biotechnology 17: 893-896). Mutagenized DNA molecules that encode active polypeptides can be recovered from the host cells and rapidly sequenced using standard methods in the art. These methods allow the rapid determination of the importance of individual amino acid residues in a polypeptide.

Semi-synthetic gene construction is accomplished by combining aspects of synthetic gene construction, and/or site-directed mutagenesis, and/or random mutagenesis, and/or shuffling. Semi-synthetic construction is typified by a process utilizing polynucleotide fragments that are synthesized, in combination with PCR techniques. Defined regions of genes may thus be synthesized de novo, while other regions may be amplified using site-specific mutagenic primers, while yet other regions may be subjected to error-prone PCR or non-error prone PCR amplification. Polynucleotide subsequences may then be shuffled.

Polynucleotides

The present invention also relates to polynucleotides encoding a variant of the present invention.

Nucleic Acid Constructs

The present invention also relates to nucleic acid constructs comprising a polynucleotide encoding a variant of the present invention operably linked to one or more control sequences that direct the expression of the coding sequence in a suitable host cell under conditions compatible with the control sequences.

The polynucleotide may be manipulated in a variety of ways to provide for expression of a variant. Manipulation of the polynucleotide prior to its insertion into a vector may be desirable or necessary depending on the expression vector. The techniques for modifying polynucleotides utilizing recombinant DNA methods are well known in the art.

The control sequence may be a promoter, a polynucleotide which is recognized by a host cell for expression of the polynucleotide. The promoter contains transcriptional control sequences that mediate the expression of the variant. The promoter may be any polynucleotide that shows transcriptional activity in the host cell including mutant, truncated, and hybrid promoters, and may be obtained from genes encoding extracellular or intracellular polypeptides either homologous or heterologous to the host cell.

Examples of suitable promoters for directing transcription of the nucleic acid constructs of the present invention in a bacterial host cell are the promoters obtained from the Bacillus amyloliquefaciens alpha-amylase gene (amyQ), Bacillus licheniformis alpha-amylase gene (amyL), Bacillus licheniformis penicillinase gene (penP), Bacillus stearothermophilus maltogenic amylase gene (amyM), Bacillus subtilis levansucrase gene (sacB), Bacillus subtilis xylA and xylB genes, Bacillus thuringiensis cryIIIA gene (Agaisse and Lereclus, 1994, Molecular Microbiology 13: 97-107), E. coli lac operon, E. coli trc promoter (Egon et al., 1988, Gene 69: 301-315), Streptomyces coelicolor agarase gene (dagA), and prokaryotic beta-lactamase gene (Villa-Kamaroff et al., 1978, Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 75: 3727-3731), as well as the tac promoter (DeBoer et al., 1983, Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 80: 21-25). Further promoters are described in “Useful proteins from recombinant bacteria” in Gilbert et al., 1980, Scientific American 242: 74-94; and in Sambrook et al., 1989, supra. Examples of tandem promoters are disclosed in WO 99/43835.

Examples of suitable promoters for directing transcription of the nucleic acid constructs of the present invention in a filamentous fungal host cell are promoters obtained from the genes for Aspergillus nidulans acetamidase, Aspergillus niger neutral alpha-amylase, Aspergillus niger acid stable alpha-amylase, Aspergillus niger or Aspergillus awamori glucoamylase (glaA), Aspergillus oryzae TAKA amylase, Aspergillus oryzae alkaline protease, Aspergillus oryzae triose phosphate isomerase, Fusarium oxysporum trypsin-like protease (WO 96/00787), Fusarium venenatum amyloglucosidase (WO 00/56900), Fusarium venenatum Dana (WO 00/56900), Fusarium venenatum Quinn (WO 00/56900), Rhizomucor miehei lipase, Rhizomucor miehei aspartic proteinase, Trichoderma reesei beta-glucosidase, Trichoderma reesei cellobiohydrolase I, Trichoderma reesei cellobiohydrolase II, Trichoderma reesei endoglucanase I, Trichoderma reesei endoglucanase II, Trichoderma reesei endoglucanase III, Trichoderma reesei endoglucanase IV, Trichoderma reesei endoglucanase V, Trichoderma reesei xylanase I, Trichoderma reesei xylanase II, Trichoderma reesei beta-xylosidase, as well as the NA2-tpi promoter (a modified promoter from an Aspergillus neutral alpha-amylase gene in which the untranslated leader has been replaced by an untranslated leader from an Aspergillus triose phosphate isomerase gene; non-limiting examples include modified promoters from an Aspergillus niger neutral alpha-amylase gene in which the untranslated leader has been replaced by an untranslated leader from an Aspergillus nidulans or Aspergillus oryzae triose phosphate isomerase gene); and mutant, truncated, and hybrid promoters thereof. Other promoters are described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,011,147.

In a yeast host, useful promoters are obtained from the genes for Saccharomyces cerevisiae enolase (ENO-1), Saccharomyces cerevisiae galactokinase (GAL1), Saccharomyces cerevisiae alcohol dehydrogenase/glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase (ADH1, ADH2/GAP), Saccharomyces cerevisiae triose phosphate isomerase (TPI), Saccharomyces cerevisiae metallothionein (CUP1), and Saccharomyces cerevisiae 3-phosphoglycerate kinase. Other useful promoters for yeast host cells are described by Romanos et al., 1992, Yeast 8: 423-488.

The control sequence may also be a transcription terminator, which is recognized by a host cell to terminate transcription. The terminator sequence is operably linked to the 3′-terminus of the polynucleotide encoding the variant. Any terminator that is functional in the host cell may be used.

Preferred terminators for bacterial host cells are obtained from the genes for Bacillus clausii alkaline protease (aprH), Bacillus licheniformis alpha-amylase (amyL), and Escherichia coli ribosomal RNA (rrnB).

Preferred terminators for filamentous fungal host cells are obtained from the genes for Aspergillus nidulans anthranilate synthase, Aspergillus niger glucoamylase, Aspergillus niger alpha-glucosidase, Aspergillus oryzae TAKA amylase, and Fusarium oxysporum trypsin-like protease Trichoderma reesei beta-glucosidase, Trichoderma reesei cellobiohydrolase I, Trichoderma reesei cellobiohydrolase II, Trichoderma reesei endoglucanase I, Trichoderma reesei endoglucanase II, Trichoderma reesei endoglucanase Ill, Trichoderma reesei endoglucanase V, Trichoderma reesei xylanase I, Trichoderma reesei xylanase II, Trichoderma reesei xylanase III, Trichoderma reesei beta-xylosidase, and Trichoderma reesei translation elongation factor.

Preferred terminators for yeast host cells are obtained from the genes for Saccharomyces cerevisiae enolase, Saccharomyces cerevisiae cytochrome C (CYC1), and Saccharomyces cerevisiae glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase. Other useful terminators for yeast host cells are described by Romanos et al., 1992, supra.

The control sequence may also be an mRNA stabilizer region downstream of a promoter and upstream of the coding sequence of a gene which increases expression of the gene.

Examples of suitable mRNA stabilizer regions are obtained from a Bacillus thuringiensis cry/IIA gene (WO 94/25612) and a Bacillus subtilis SP82 gene (Hue et al., 1995, Journal of Bacteriology 177: 3465-3471).

The control sequence may also be a leader, a nontranslated region of an mRNA that is important for translation by the host cell. The leader sequence is operably linked to the 5′-terminus of the polynucleotide encoding the variant. Any leader that is functional in the host cell may be used.

Preferred leaders for filamentous fungal host cells are obtained from the genes for Aspergillus oryzae TAKA amylase and Aspergillus nidulans triose phosphate isomerase.

Suitable leaders for yeast host cells are obtained from the genes for Saccharomyces cerevisiae enolase (ENO-1), Saccharomyces cerevisiae 3-phosphoglycerate kinase, Saccharomyces cerevisiae alpha-factor, and Saccharomyces cerevisiae alcohol dehydrogenase/glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase (ADH2/GAP).

The control sequence may also be a polyadenylation sequence, a sequence operably linked to the 3′-terminus of the variant-encoding sequence and, when transcribed, is recognized by the host cell as a signal to add polyadenosine residues to transcribed mRNA. Any polyadenylation sequence that is functional in the host cell may be used.

Preferred polyadenylation sequences for filamentous fungal host cells are obtained from the genes for Aspergillus nidulans anthranilate synthase, Aspergillus niger glucoamylase, Aspergillus niger alpha-glucosidase, Aspergillus oryzae TAKA amylase, and Fusarium oxysporum trypsin-like protease.

Useful polyadenylation sequences for yeast host cells are described by Guo and Sherman, 1995, Mol. Cellular Biol. 15: 5983-5990.

The control sequence may also be a signal peptide coding region that encodes a signal peptide linked to the N-terminus of a variant and directs the variant into the cell's secretory pathway. The 5′-end of the coding sequence of the polynucleotide may inherently contain a signal peptide coding sequence naturally linked in translation reading frame with the segment of the coding sequence that encodes the variant. Alternatively, the 5′-end of the coding sequence may contain a signal peptide coding sequence that is foreign to the coding sequence. A foreign signal peptide coding sequence may be required where the coding sequence does not naturally contain a signal peptide coding sequence. Alternatively, a foreign signal peptide coding sequence may simply replace the natural signal peptide coding sequence in order to enhance secretion of the variant. However, any signal peptide coding sequence that directs the expressed variant into the secretory pathway of a host cell may be used.

Effective signal peptide coding sequences for bacterial host cells are the signal peptide coding sequences obtained from the genes for Bacillus NCIB 11837 maltogenic amylase, Bacillus licheniformis subtilisin, Bacillus licheniformis beta-lactamase, Bacillus stearothermophilus alpha-amylase, Bacillus stearothermophilus neutral proteases (nprT, nprS, nprM), and Bacillus subtilis prsA. Further signal peptides are described by Simonen and Palva, 1993, Microbiological Reviews 57: 109-137.

Effective signal peptide coding sequences for filamentous fungal host cells are the signal peptide coding sequences obtained from the genes for Aspergillus niger neutral amylase, Aspergillus niger glucoamylase, Aspergillus oryzae TAKA amylase, Humicola insolens cellulase, Humicola insolens endoglucanase V, Humicola lanuginosa lipase, and Rhizomucor miehei aspartic proteinase.

Useful signal peptides for yeast host cells are obtained from the genes for Saccharomyces cerevisiae alpha-factor and Saccharomyces cerevisiae invertase. Other useful signal peptide coding sequences are described by Romanos et al., 1992, supra.

The control sequence may also be a propeptide coding sequence that encodes a propeptide positioned at the N-terminus of a variant. The resultant polypeptide is known as a proenzyme or propolypeptide (or a zymogen in some cases). A propolypeptide is generally inactive and can be converted to an active polypeptide by catalytic or autocatalytic cleavage of the propeptide from the propolypeptide. The propeptide coding sequence may be obtained from the genes for Bacillus subtilis alkaline protease (aprE), Bacillus subtilis neutral protease (nprT), Myceliophthora thermophila laccase (WO 95/33836), Rhizomucor miehei aspartic proteinase, and Saccharomyces cerevisiae alpha-factor.

Where both signal peptide and propeptide sequences are present, the propeptide sequence is positioned next to the N-terminus of the variant and the signal peptide sequence is positioned next to the N-terminus of the propeptide sequence.

It may also be desirable to add regulatory sequences that regulate expression of the variant relative to the growth of the host cell. Examples of regulatory systems are those that cause expression of the gene to be turned on or off in response to a chemical or physical stimulus, including the presence of a regulatory compound. Regulatory systems in prokaryotic systems include the lac, tac, and trp operator systems. In yeast, the ADH2 system or GAL1 system may be used. In filamentous fungi, the Aspergillus niger glucoamylase promoter, Aspergillus oryzae TAKA alpha-amylase promoter, and Aspergillus oryzae glucoamylase promoter may be used. Other examples of regulatory sequences are those that allow for gene amplification. In eukaryotic systems, these regulatory sequences include the dihydrofolate reductase gene that is amplified in the presence of methotrexate, and the metallothionein genes that are amplified with heavy metals. In these cases, the polynucleotide encoding the variant would be operably linked with the regulatory sequence.

Expression Vectors

The present invention also relates to recombinant expression vectors comprising a polynucleotide encoding a variant of the present invention, a promoter, and transcriptional and translational stop signals. The various nucleotide and control sequences may be joined together to produce a recombinant expression vector that may include one or more convenient restriction sites to allow for insertion or substitution of the polynucleotide encoding the variant at such sites. Alternatively, the polynucleotide may be expressed by inserting the polynucleotide or a nucleic acid construct comprising the polynucleotide into an appropriate vector for expression. In creating the expression vector, the coding sequence is located in the vector so that the coding sequence is operably linked with the appropriate control sequences for expression.

The recombinant expression vector may be any vector (e.g., a plasmid or virus) that can be conveniently subjected to recombinant DNA procedures and can bring about expression of the polynucleotide. The choice of the vector will typically depend on the compatibility of the vector with the host cell into which the vector is to be introduced. The vector may be a linear or closed circular plasmid.

The vector may be an autonomously replicating vector, i.e., a vector that exists as an extrachromosomal entity, the replication of which is independent of chromosomal replication, e.g., a plasmid, an extrachromosomal element, a minichromosome, or an artificial chromosome. The vector may contain any means for assuring self-replication. Alternatively, the vector may be one that, when introduced into the host cell, is integrated into the genome and replicated together with the chromosome(s) into which it has been integrated. Furthermore, a single vector or plasmid or two or more vectors or plasmids that together contain the total DNA to be introduced into the genome of the host cell, or a transposon, may be used.

The vector preferably contains one or more selectable markers that permit easy selection of transformed, transfected, transduced, or the like cells. A selectable marker is a gene the product of which provides for biocide or viral resistance, resistance to heavy metals, prototrophy to auxotrophs, and the like.

Examples of bacterial selectable markers are Bacillus licheniformis or Bacillus subtilis dal genes, or markers that confer antibiotic resistance such as ampicillin, chloramphenicol, kanamycin, neomycin, spectinomycin or tetracycline resistance. Suitable markers for yeast host cells include, but are not limited to, ADE2, HIS3, LEU2, LYS2, MET3, TRP1, and URA3. Selectable markers for use in a filamentous fungal host cell include, but are not limited to, amdS (acetamidase), argB (ornithine carbamoyltransferase), bar (phosphinothricin acetyltransferase), hph (hygromycin phosphotransferase), niaD (nitrate reductase), pyrG (orotidine-5′-phosphate decarboxylase), sC (sulfate adenyltransferase), and trpC (anthranilate synthase), as well as equivalents thereof. Preferred for use in an Aspergillus cell are Aspergillus nidulans or Aspergillus oryzae amdS and pyrG genes and a Streptomyces hygroscopicus bar gene. Preferred for use in a Trichoderma cell are adeA, adeB, amdS, hph, and pyrG genes.

The selectable marker may be a dual selectable marker system as described in WO 2010/039889. In one aspect, the dual selectable marker is an hph-tk dual selectable marker system.

The vector preferably contains an element(s) that permits integration of the vector into the host cell's genome or autonomous replication of the vector in the cell independent of the genome.

For integration into the host cell genome, the vector may rely on the polynucleotide's sequence encoding the variant or any other element of the vector for integration into the genome by homologous or non-homologous recombination. Alternatively, the vector may contain additional polynucleotides for directing integration by homologous recombination into the genome of the host cell at a precise location(s) in the chromosome(s). To increase the likelihood of integration at a precise location, the integrational elements should contain a sufficient number of nucleic acids, such as 100 to 10,000 base pairs, 400 to 10,000 base pairs, and 800 to 10,000 base pairs, which have a high degree of sequence identity to the corresponding target sequence to enhance the probability of homologous recombination. The integrational elements may be any sequence that is homologous with the target sequence in the genome of the host cell. Furthermore, the integrational elements may be non-encoding or encoding polynucleotides. On the other hand, the vector may be integrated into the genome of the host cell by non-homologous recombination.

For autonomous replication, the vector may further comprise an origin of replication enabling the vector to replicate autonomously in the host cell in question. The origin of replication may be any plasmid replicator mediating autonomous replication that functions in a cell. The term “origin of replication” or “plasmid replicator” means a polynucleotide that enables a plasmid or vector to replicate in vivo.

Examples of bacterial origins of replication are the origins of replication of plasmids pBR322, pUC19, pACYC177, and pACYC184 permitting replication in E. coli, and pUB110, pE194, pTA1060, and pAMβ1 permitting replication in Bacillus.

Examples of origins of replication for use in a yeast host cell are the 2 micron origin of replication, ARS1, ARS4, the combination of ARS1 and CEN3, and the combination of ARS4 and CEN6.

Examples of origins of replication useful in a filamentous fungal cell are AMA1 and ANS1 (Gems et al., 1991, Gene 98: 61-67; Cullen et al., 1987, Nucleic Acids Res. 15: 9163-9175; WO 00/24883). Isolation of the AMA1 gene and construction of plasmids or vectors comprising the gene can be accomplished according to the methods disclosed in WO 00/24883.

More than one copy of a polynucleotide of the present invention may be inserted into a host cell to increase production of a variant. An increase in the copy number of the polynucleotide can be obtained by integrating at least one additional copy of the sequence into the host cell genome or by including an amplifiable selectable marker gene with the polynucleotide where cells containing amplified copies of the selectable marker gene, and thereby additional copies of the polynucleotide, can be selected for by cultivating the cells in the presence of the appropriate selectable agent.

The procedures used to ligate the elements described above to construct the recombinant expression vectors of the present invention are well known to one skilled in the art (see, e.g., Sambrook et al., 1989, supra).

Host Cells

The present invention also relates to recombinant host cells, comprising a polynucleotide encoding a variant of the present invention operably linked to one or more control sequences that direct the production of a variant of the present invention. A construct or vector comprising a polynucleotide is introduced into a host cell so that the construct or vector is maintained as a chromosomal integrant or as a self-replicating extra-chromosomal vector as described earlier. The term “host cell” encompasses any progeny of a parent cell that is not identical to the parent cell due to mutations that occur during replication. The choice of a host cell will to a large extent depend upon the gene encoding the variant and its source.

The host cell may be any cell useful in the recombinant production of a variant, e.g., a prokaryote or a eukaryote.

The prokaryotic host cell may be any Gram-positive or Gram-negative bacterium. Gram-positive bacteria include, but are not limited to, Bacillus, Clostridium, Enterococcus, Geobacillus, Lactobacillus, Lactococcus, Oceanobacillus, Staphylococcus, Streptococcus, and Streptomyces. Gram-negative bacteria include, but are not limited to, Campylobacter, E. coli, Flavobacterium, Fusobacterium, Helicobacter, Ilyobacter, Neisseria, Pseudomonas, Salmonella, and Ureaplasma.

The bacterial host cell may be any Bacillus cell including, but not limited to, Bacillus alkalophilus, Bacillus amyloliquefaciens, Bacillus brevis, Bacillus circulans, Bacillus clausii, Bacillus coagulans, Bacillus firmus, Bacillus lautus, Bacillus lentus, Bacillus licheniformis, Bacillus megaterium, Bacillus pumilus, Bacillus stearothermophilus, Bacillus subtilis, and Bacillus thuringiensis cells.

The bacterial host cell may also be any Streptococcus cell including, but not limited to, Streptococcus equisimilis, Streptococcus pyogenes, Streptococcus uberis, and Streptococcus equi subsp. Zooepidemicus cells.

The bacterial host cell may also be any Streptomyces cell, including, but not limited to, Streptomyces achromo genes, Streptomyces avermitilis, Streptomyces coelicolor, Streptomyces griseus, and Streptomyces lividans cells.

The introduction of DNA into a Bacillus cell may be effected by protoplast transformation (see, e.g., Chang and Cohen, 1979, Mol. Gen. Genet. 168: 111-115), competent cell transformation (see, e.g., Young and Spizizen, 1961, J. Bacteriol. 81: 823-829, or Dubnau and Davidoff-Abelson, 1971, J. Mol. Biol. 56: 209-221), electroporation (see, e.g., Shigekawa and Dower, 1988, Biotechniques 6: 742-751), or conjugation (see, e.g., Koehler and Thorne, 1987, J. Bacteriol. 169: 5271-5278). The introduction of DNA into an E. coli cell may be effected by protoplast transformation (see, e.g., Hanahan, 1983, J. Mol. Biol. 166: 557-580) or electroporation (see, e.g., Dower et al., 1988, Nucleic Acids Res. 16: 6127-6145). The introduction of DNA into a Streptomyces cell may be effected by protoplast transformation, electroporation (see, e.g., Gong et al., 2004, Folia Microbiol. (Praha) 49: 399-405), conjugation (see, e.g., Mazodier et al., 1989, J. Bacteriol. 171: 3583-3585), or transduction (see, e.g., Burke et al., 2001, Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 98: 6289-6294). The introduction of DNA into a Pseudomonas cell may be effected by electroporation (see, e.g., Choi et al., 2006, J. Microbiol. Methods 64: 391-397), or conjugation (see, e.g., Pinedo and Smets, 2005, Appl. Environ. Microbiol. 71: 51-57). The introduction of DNA into a Streptococcus cell may be effected by natural competence (see, e.g., Perry and Kuramitsu, 1981, Infect. Immun. 32: 1295-1297), protoplast transformation (see, e.g., Catt and Jollick, 1991, Microbios 68: 189-207), electroporation (see, e.g., Buckley et al., 1999, Appl. Environ. Microbiol. 65: 3800-3804) or conjugation (see, e.g., Clewell, 1981, Microbiol. Rev. 45: 409-436). However, any method known in the art for introducing DNA into a host cell can be used.

The host cell may also be a eukaryote, such as a mammalian, insect, plant, or fungal cell.

The host cell may be a fungal cell. “Fungi” as used herein includes the phyla Ascomycota, Basidiomycota, Chytridiomycota, and Zygomycota as well as the Oomycota and all mitosporic fungi (as defined by Hawksworth et al., In, Ainsworth and Bisby's Dictionary of The Fungi, 8th edition, 1995, CAB International, University Press, Cambridge, UK).

The fungal host cell may be a yeast cell. “Yeast” as used herein includes ascosporogenous yeast (Endomycetales), basidiosporogenous yeast, and yeast belonging to the Fungi lmperfecti (Blastomycetes). Since the classification of yeast may change in the future, for the purposes of this invention, yeast shall be defined as described in Biology and Activities of Yeast (Skinner, Passmore, and Davenport, editors, Soc. App. Bacteriol. Symposium Series No. 9, 1980).

The yeast host cell may be a Candida, Hansenula, Kluyveromyces, Pichia, Saccharomyces, Schizosaccharomyces, or Yarrowia cell such as a Kluyveromyces lactis, Saccharomyces carlsbergensis, Saccharomyces cerevisiae, Saccharomyces diastaticus, Saccharomyces douglasii, Saccharomyces kluyveri, Saccharomyces norbensis, Saccharomyces oviformis, or Yarrowia lipolytica cell.

The fungal host cell may be a filamentous fungal cell. “Filamentous fungi” include all filamentous forms of the subdivision Eumycota and Oomycota (as defined by Hawksworth et al., 1995, supra). The filamentous fungi are generally characterized by a mycelial wall composed of chitin, cellulose, glucan, chitosan, mannan, and other complex polysaccharides. Vegetative growth is by hyphal elongation and carbon catabolism is obligately aerobic. In contrast, vegetative growth by yeasts such as Saccharomyces cerevisiae is by budding of a unicellular thallus and carbon catabolism may be fermentative.

The filamentous fungal host cell may be an Acremonium, Aspergillus, Aureobasidium, Bjerkandera, Ceriporiopsis, Chrysosporium, Coprinus, Coriolus, Cryptococcus, Filibasidium, Fusarium, Humicola, Magnaporthe, Mucor, Myceliophthora, Neocallimastix, Neurospora, Paecilomyces, Penicillium, Phanerochaete, Phlebia, Piromyces, Pleurotus, Schizophyllum, Talaromyces, Thermoascus, Thielavia, Tolypocladium, Trametes, or Trichoderma cell.

For example, the filamentous fungal host cell may be an Aspergillus awamori, Aspergillus foetidus, Aspergillus fumigatus, Aspergillus japonicus, Aspergillus nidulans, Aspergillus niger, Aspergillus oryzae, Bjerkandera adusta, Ceriporiopsis aneirina, Ceriporiopsis caregiea, Ceriporiopsis gilvescens, Ceriporiopsis pannocinta, Ceriporiopsis rivulosa, Ceriporiopsis subrufa, Ceriporiopsis subvermispora, Chrysosporium inops, Chrysosporium keratinophilum, Chrysosporium lucknowense, Chrysosporium merdarium, Chrysosporium pannicola, Chrysosporium queenslandicum, Chrysosporium tropicum, Chrysosporium zonatum, Coprinus cinereus, Coriolus hirsutus, Fusarium bactridioides, Fusarium cerealis, Fusarium crookwellense, Fusarium culmorum, Fusarium graminearum, Fusarium graminum, Fusarium heterosporum, Fusarium negundi, Fusarium oxysporum, Fusarium reticulatum, Fusarium roseum, Fusarium sambucinum, Fusarium sarcochroum, Fusarium sporotrichioides, Fusarium sulphureum, Fusarium torulosum, Fusarium trichothecioides, Fusarium venenatum, Humicola insolens, Humicola lanuginosa, Mucor miehei, Myceliophthora thermophila, Neurospora crassa, Penicillium purpurogenum, Phanerochaete chrysosporium, Phlebia radiata, Pleurotus eryngii, Thielavia terrestris, Trametes villosa, Trametes versicolor, Trichoderma harzianum, Trichoderma koningii, Trichoderma longibrachiatum, Trichoderma reesei, or Trichoderma viride cell.

Fungal cells may be transformed by a process involving protoplast formation, transformation of the protoplasts, and regeneration of the cell wall in a manner known per se. Suitable procedures for transformation of Aspergillus and Trichoderma host cells are described in EP 238023, Yelton et al., 1984, Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 81: 1470-1474, and Christensen et al., 1988, Bio/Technology 6: 1419-1422. Suitable methods for transforming Fusarium species are described by Malardier et al., 1989, Gene 78: 147-156, and WO 96/00787. Yeast may be transformed using the procedures described by Becker and Guarente, In Abelson, J. N. and Simon, M. I., editors, Guide to Yeast Genetics and Molecular Biology, Methods in Enzymology, Volume 194, pp 182-187, Academic Press, Inc., New York; Ito et al., 1983, J. Bacteriol. 153: 163; and Hinnen et al., 1978, Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 75: 1920.

Methods of Production

The present invention also relates method for producing a variant pullulanase of a parent pullulanase comprising substitution of the parent pullulanase at one or more positions corresponding to positions 393, 143, 150, 243, 244, 345, 346, 368, 370, 373, 381, 382, 385, 387, 402, 429, 430, 431, 432, 456, 486, 492, 610, 624, 631, 632, 665 and 699 of the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 3 wherein the variant has pullulanase activity and increased thermoactivity compared to the parent; and

a) wherein the variant has at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, or at least 99%, but less than 100% sequence identity to the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 3; or

b) wherein the variant has at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, or at least 99%, but less than 100% sequence identity to the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 6; or

c) wherein the variant has at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, or at least 99%, but less than 100% sequence identity to the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 9.

A further embodiment relates to variant pullulanases produced by the method of the invention.

In another aspect, method of producing a variant, comprising: (a) cultivating a host cell of the present invention under conditions suitable for expression of the variant; and (b) recovering the variant.

The host cells are cultivated in a nutrient medium suitable for production of the variant using methods known in the art. For example, the cell may be cultivated by shake flask cultivation, or small-scale or large-scale fermentation (including continuous, batch, fed-batch, or solid state fermentations) in laboratory or industrial fermentors performed in a suitable medium and under conditions allowing the variant to be expressed and/or isolated. The cultivation takes place in a suitable nutrient medium comprising carbon and nitrogen sources and inorganic salts, using procedures known in the art. Suitable media are available from commercial suppliers or may be prepared according to published compositions (e.g., in catalogues of the American Type Culture Collection). If the variant is secreted into the nutrient medium, the variant can be recovered directly from the medium. If the variant is not secreted, it can be recovered from cell lysates.

The variant may be detected using methods known in the art that are specific for the variants. These detection methods include, but are not limited to, use of specific antibodies, formation of an enzyme product, or disappearance of an enzyme substrate. For example, an enzyme assay may be used to determine the activity of the variant.

The variant may be recovered using methods known in the art. For example, the variant may be recovered from the nutrient medium by conventional procedures including, but not limited to, collection, centrifugation, filtration, extraction, spray-drying, evaporation, or precipitation.

The variant may be purified by a variety of procedures known in the art including, but not limited to, chromatography (e.g., ion exchange, affinity, hydrophobic, chromatofocusing, and size exclusion), electrophoretic procedures (e.g., preparative isoelectric focusing), differential solubility (e.g., ammonium sulfate precipitation), SDS-PAGE, or extraction (see, e.g., Protein Purification, Janson and Ryden, editors, VCH Publishers, New York, 1989) to obtain substantially pure variants.

In an alternative aspect, the variant is not recovered, but rather a host cell of the present invention expressing the variant is used as a source of the variant.

Fermentation Broth Formulations or Cell Compositions

The present invention also relates to a fermentation broth formulation or a cell composition comprising a polypeptide of the present invention. The fermentation broth product further comprises additional ingredients used in the fermentation process, such as, for example, cells (including, the host cells containing the gene encoding the polypeptide of the present invention which are used to produce the polypeptide of interest), cell debris, biomass, fermentation media and/or fermentation products. In some embodiments, the composition is a cell-killed whole broth containing organic acid(s), killed cells and/or cell debris, and culture medium.

The term “fermentation broth” as used herein refers to a preparation produced by cellular fermentation that undergoes no or minimal recovery and/or purification. For example, fermentation broths are produced when microbial cultures are grown to saturation, incubated under carbon-limiting conditions to allow protein synthesis (e.g., expression of enzymes by host cells) and secretion into cell culture medium. The fermentation broth can contain unfractionated or fractionated contents of the fermentation materials derived at the end of the fermentation. Typically, the fermentation broth is unfractionated and comprises the spent culture medium and cell debris present after the microbial cells (e.g., filamentous fungal cells) are removed, e.g., by centrifugation. In some embodiments, the fermentation broth contains spent cell culture medium, extracellular enzymes, and viable and/or nonviable microbial cells.

In an embodiment, the fermentation broth formulation and cell compositions comprise a first organic acid component comprising at least one 1-5 carbon organic acid and/or a salt thereof and a second organic acid component comprising at least one 6 or more carbon organic acid and/or a salt thereof. In a specific embodiment, the first organic acid component is acetic acid, formic acid, propionic acid, a salt thereof, or a mixture of two or more of the foregoing and the second organic acid component is benzoic acid, cyclohexanecarboxylic acid, 4-methylvaleric acid, phenylacetic acid, a salt thereof, or a mixture of two or more of the foregoing.

In one aspect, the composition contains an organic acid(s), and optionally further contains killed cells and/or cell debris. In one embodiment, the killed cells and/or cell debris are removed from a cell-killed whole broth to provide a composition that is free of these components.

The fermentation broth formulations or cell compositions may further comprise a preservative and/or anti-microbial (e.g., bacteriostatic) agent, including, but not limited to, sorbitol, sodium chloride, potassium sorbate, and others known in the art.

The cell-killed whole broth or composition may contain the unfractionated contents of the fermentation materials derived at the end of the fermentation. Typically, the cell-killed whole broth or composition contains the spent culture medium and cell debris present after the microbial cells (e.g., filamentous fungal cells) are grown to saturation, incubated under carbon-limiting conditions to allow protein synthesis. In some embodiments, the cell-killed whole broth or composition contains the spent cell culture medium, extracellular enzymes, and killed filamentous fungal cells. In some embodiments, the microbial cells present in the cell-killed whole broth or composition can be permeabilized and/or lysed using methods known in the art. A whole broth or cell composition as described herein is typically a liquid, but may contain insoluble components, such as killed cells, cell debris, culture media components, and/or insoluble enzyme(s). In some embodiments, insoluble components may be removed to provide a clarified liquid composition.

The whole broth formulations and cell compositions of the present invention may be produced by a method described in WO 90/15861 or WO 2010/096673.

Enzyme Compositions

The present invention also relates to compositions comprising a pullulanase variant of the present invention. Preferably, the compositions are enriched in such a polypeptide. The term “enriched” indicates that the pullulanase activity of the composition has been increased, e.g., with an enrichment factor of at least 1.1.

The compositions may comprise a polypeptide of the present invention as the major enzymatic component, e.g., a mono-component composition. Alternatively, the compositions may comprise multiple enzymatic activities, such as the pullulanase variant according to the invention and one or more (e.g., several) enzymes selected from the group consisting of hydrolase, isomerase, ligase, lyase, oxidoreductase, or transferase, e.g., an alpha-galactosidase, alpha-glucosidase, aminopeptidase, alpha-amylase, beta-amylase, beta-galactosidase, beta-glucosidase, beta-xylosidase, carbohydrase, carboxypeptidase, catalase, cellobiohydrolase, cellulase, chitinase, cutinase, cyclodextrin glycosyltransferase, deoxyribonuclease, endoglucanase, esterase, glucoamylase, invertase, laccase, lipase, mannosidase, mutanase, oxidase, pectinolytic enzyme, peroxidase, phytase, polyphenoloxidase, protease, ribonuclease, transglutaminase, or xylanase. Preferably the enzyme activities comprised in the composition are selected from the hybrid pullulanase according to the invention and one or more enzymes selected from the group consisting of glucoamylase, alpha-amylase, beta-amylase, and protease. In one particular embodiment the composition comprises a pullulanase, a glucoamylase, an alpha-amylase and a protease. In another particular embodiment the composition comprises a pullulanase, an alpha-amylase and a protease. In another particular embodiment the composition comprises a pullulanase, a glucoamylase, and an alpha-amylase. In another particular embodiment the composition comprises a pullulanase, and a beta-amylase.

In a particular embodiment the composition comprises the variant pullulanase of the invention and an alpha amylase. Preferred are bacterial alpha-amylases, which typically are stable at temperatures used during liquefaction. In a preferred embodiment the alpha-amylase is derived from Bacillus stearothermophilus. The Bacillus stearothermophilus alpha-amylase may be a mature wild-type or a mature variant thereof. The mature Bacillus stearothermophilus alpha-amylases may naturally be truncated during recombinant production. For instance, the Bacillus stearothermophilus alpha-amylase may be truncated so it has around 491 amino acids compared to SEQ ID NO: 3 in WO 99/19467. Preferred are Bacillus alpha-amylases, especially Bacillus stearothermophilus alpha-amylases, which have a double deletion corresponding to a deletion of positions 181 and 182 and further comprise a N193F substitution (also denoted I181*+G182*+N193F) compared to the wild-type BSG alpha-amylase amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 3 disclosed in WO 99/19467. The bacterial alpha-amylase may also have a substitution in a position corresponding to S239 in the Bacillus licheniformis alpha-amylase shown in SEQ ID NO: 4 in WO 99/19467, or a S242 variant of the Bacillus stearothermophilus alpha-amylase of SEQ ID NO: 3 in WO 99/19467. In a preferred embodiment the alpha-amylase is selected from the group of Bacillus stearomthermphilus alpha-amylase variants:

I181*+G182*+N193F+E129V+K177L+R179E;

I181*+G182*+N193F+V59A+Q89R+E129V+K177L+R179E+H208Y+K220P+N224L+Q254S;

I181*+G182*+N193F+V59A+Q89R+E129V+K177L+R179E+Q254S+M284V; and

I181*+G182*+N193F+E129V+K177L+R179E+K220P+N224L+S242Q+Q254S (using SEQ ID NO: 3 disclosed in WO 99/19467 for numbering).

In another preferred embodiment the alpha-amylase is an alpha-amylase derived from Rhizomucor pusillus with an Aspergillus niger glucoamylase linker and starch-binding domain (SBD), preferably the one shown in SEQ ID NO: 7 in WO2013/006756, preferably having one or more of the following substitutions: G128D, D143N, especially G128D+D143N.

In another particular embodiment the composition comprises the variant pullulanase of the invention, and a protease. In an preferred embodiment the protease is a variant of the Thermoascus aurantiacus metallo protease disclosed as SEQ ID NO: 2 in WO 2003/048353, or amino acids 1-177 of SEQ ID NO: 2 in WO 2011/072191, with the following mutations:

D79L+587P+A112P+D142L;

D79L+587P+D142L; or

A27K+D79L+Y82F+587G+D104P+A112P+A126V+D142L.

In another embodiment the protease is derived from a strain of the bacterium Pyrococcus, such as a strain of Pyrococcus furiosus (pfu protease)

In an embodiment the protease is the one shown as SEQ ID NO: 1 in U.S. Pat. No. 6,358,726-B1. In another embodiment the protease is the one shown as SEQ ID NO: 13 in WO2012/088303.

In another particular embodiment the composition comprises the hybrid pullulanase of the invention, and a glucoamylase. In a specific embodiment the glucoamylase is from a strain of the genus Penicillium, especially a strain of Penicillium oxalicum, in particular the Penicillium oxalicum glucoamylase disclosed as SEQ ID NO: 2 in WO 2011/127802. In a preferred embodiment the glucoamylase is a variant of the Penicillium oxalicum glucoamylase disclosed as SEQ ID NO: 2 in WO 2011/127802 having a K79V substitution using the mature polypeptide (amino acids 22-616 of SEQ ID NO: 2) for numbering, and described in WO 2013/036526. In a preferred embodiment the glucoamylase is a variant of the Penicillium oxalicum glucoamylase disclosed as amino acids 22-616 of SEQ ID NO: 2 in WO 2011/127802, having a K79V substitution and one or more of the following substitutions P2N, P45, P11F, T65A, Q327F, especially P2N+P45+P11F+T65A+Q327F as described in WO2013/053801.

In a specific embodiment the glucoamylase is from a strain of the genus Pycnoporus, especially a strain of Pycnoporus sanguineus, in particular the Pycnoporus sanguineus glucoamylase disclosed as SEQ ID NO: 2, 4, or 6 in WO 2011/066576. In a preferred embodiment the enzyme composition comprises the glucoamylase shown as amino acids 19-573 of SEQ ID NO: 6 in WO 2011/066576.

In a specific embodiment the glucoamylase is from a strain of the genus Gloeophillum, especially a strain of Gloeophyllum trabeum, in particular the Gloeophyllum trabeum glucoamylase disclosed as SEQ ID NO: 18 in WO 2011/068803. In an especially preferred embodiment the enzyme composition comprises the Gloeophyllum trabeum glucoamylase shown in amino acids 18-576 of SEQ ID NO: 18 in WO2011/068803, and having one or more of the following substitutions: 595P, A121P, especially 595P+A121P using the mature polypeptide (positions 18-576 of SEQ ID NO: 18) for numbering.

In a specific embodiment the glucoamylase is from a strain of the genus Gloeophillum, especially a strain of Gloeophillum sepiarium, in particular the mature Gloeophillum sepiarium glucoamylase disclosed as amino acids 18-573 of SEQ ID NO: 2 in WO2011/068803.

In a particular embodiment the composition comprises a variant pullulanase of the invention and a glucoamylase and optionally an alpha-amylase, and wherein the pullulanase is selected from a polypeptide having at least 93%, at least 94%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, at least 99% or 100% sequence identity to the mature polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 21 herein, and comprising the substitutions N368G+N393A+A492S, using SEQ ID NO: 3 for numbering, and the glucoamylase is selected from i) a variant Gloeophyllum trabeum glucoamylase, which comprises the substitutions 595P+A121P compared to the wild type Gloeophyllum trabeum glucoamylase amino acid sequence set forth in amino acids 18-576 of SEQ ID NO: 18 in WO 2011/068803; or ii) a variant having at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 91%, at least 92%, at least 93%, at least 94%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, at least 99% sequence identity to amino acids 18-576 of SEQ ID NO: 18 in WO 2011/068803, and the alpha-amylase is selected from: i) a variant Rhizomucor pusillus alpha-amylase with an Aspergillus niger glucoamylase linker and starch-binding domain (SBD), which comprises the substitutions G128D+D143N compared to the hybrid Rhizomucor pusillus alpha-amylase amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 7 in WO2013/006756; or ii) a variant having at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 91%, at least 92%, at least 93%, at least 94%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, at least 99% sequence identity to the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 7 in WO2013/006756.

The compositions may be prepared in accordance with methods known in the art and may be in the form of a liquid or a dry composition. For instance, the composition may be in the form of granulate or microgranulate. The variant may be stabilized in accordance with methods known in the art.

The compositions may be prepared in accordance with methods known in the art and may be in the form of a liquid or a dry composition. The compositions may be stabilized in accordance with methods known in the art.

The enzyme composition of the present invention may be in any form suitable for use, such as, for example, a crude fermentation broth with or without cells removed, a cell lysate with or without cellular debris, a semi-purified or purified enzyme composition, or a host cell, e.g., Trichoderma host cell, as a source of the enzymes.

The enzyme composition may be a dry powder or granulate, a non-dusting granulate, a liquid, a stabilized liquid, or a stabilized protected enzyme. Liquid enzyme compositions may, for instance, be stabilized by adding stabilizers such as a sugar, a sugar alcohol or another polyol, and/or lactic acid or another organic acid according to established processes.

The compositions may be prepared in accordance with methods known in the art and may be in the form of a liquid or a dry composition. The compositions may be stabilized in accordance with methods known in the art.

Examples are given below of preferred uses of the compositions of the present invention. The dosage of the composition and other conditions under which the composition is used may be determined on the basis of methods known in the art.

Methods of Using the Pullulanase Variants—Industrial Applications

The present invention is also directed to methods of using polypeptide of present invention in various industrial applications.

The polypeptide of the present invention may be used for starch processes, in particular starch conversion, especially liquefaction of starch (see, e.g., U.S. Pat. No. 3,912,590, EP 252730 and EP 063909, WO 99/19467, and WO 96/28567, which are all hereby incorporated by reference). Also contemplated are compositions for starch conversion purposes, which may beside the polypeptide of the present invention also comprise a glucoamylase (AMG), and an alpha-amylase.

Further, the polypeptide of the present invention is particularly useful in the production of sweeteners and ethanol (see, e.g., U.S. Pat. No. 5,231,017, which is hereby incorporated by reference), such as fuel, drinking and industrial ethanol, from starch or whole grains.

In one embodiment the present invention relates to a use of the polypeptide according to the invention for production of a syrup and/or a fermentation product from a starch containing material. The starch material may in one embodiment be gelatinized. In another embodiment the starch material is ungelatinized.

Starch Processing

Native starch consists of microscopic granules, which are insoluble in water at room temperature. When an aqueous starch slurry is heated, the granules swell and eventually burst, dispersing the starch molecules into the solution. At temperatures up to about 50° C. to 75° C. the swelling may be reversible. However, with higher temperatures an irreversible swelling called “gelatinization” begins. During this “gelatinization” process there is a dramatic increase in viscosity. Granular starch to be processed may be a highly refined starch quality, preferably at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 97% or at least 99.5% pure or it may be a more crude starch-containing materials comprising (e.g., milled) whole grains including non-starch fractions such as germ residues and fibers. The raw material, such as whole grains, may be reduced in particle size, e.g., by milling, in order to open up the structure and allowing for further processing. In dry milling whole kernels are milled and used. Wet milling gives a good separation of germ and meal (starch granules and protein) and is often applied at locations where the starch hydrolyzate is used in the production of, e.g., syrups. Both dry and wet milling is well known in the art of starch processing and may be used in a process of the invention. Methods for reducing the particle size of the starch containing material are well known to those skilled in the art.

As the solids level is 30-40% in a typical industrial process, the starch has to be thinned or “liquefied” so that it can be suitably processed. This reduction in viscosity is primarily attained by enzymatic degradation in current commercial practice.

Liquefaction is carried out in the presence of an alpha-amylase, preferably a bacterial alpha-amylase and/or acid fungal alpha-amylase. In an embodiment, a phytase is also present during liquefaction. In an embodiment, viscosity reducing enzymes such as a xylanase and/or beta-glucanase is also present during liquefaction.

During liquefaction, the long-chained starch is degraded into branched and linear shorter units (maltodextrins) by an alpha-amylase. Liquefaction may be carried out as a three-step hot slurry process. The slurry is heated to between 60-95° C. (e.g., 70-90° C., such as 77-86° C., 80-85° C., 83-85° C.) and an alpha-amylase is added to initiate liquefaction (thinning). The slurry may in an embodiment be jet-cooked at between 95-140° C., e.g., 105-125° C., for about 1-15 minutes, e.g., about 3-10 minutes, especially around 5 minutes. The slurry is then cooled to 60-95° C. and more alpha-amylase is added to obtain final hydrolysis (secondary liquefaction). The jet-cooking process is carried out at pH 4.5-6.5, typically at a pH between 5 and 6. The alpha-amylase may be added as a single dose, e.g., before jet cooking.

The liquefaction process is carried out at between 70-95° C., such as 80-90° C., such as around 85° C., for about 10 minutes to 5 hours, typically for 1-2 hours. The pH is between 4 and 7, such as between 5.5 and 6.2. In order to ensure optimal enzyme stability under these conditions, calcium may optionally be added (to provide 1-60 ppm free calcium ions, such as about 40 ppm free calcium ions). After such treatment, the liquefied starch will typically have a “dextrose equivalent” (DE) of 10-15.

Generally liquefaction and liquefaction conditions are well known in the art.

Examples of alpha-amylase are disclosed in the “Alpha-Amylases” section below. Saccharification may be carried out using conditions well-known in the art with a carbohydrate-source generating enzyme, in particular a glucoamylase, or a beta-amylase and optionally a debranching enzyme, such as an isoamylase or a pullulanase. For instance, a full saccharification step may last from about 24 to about 72 hours. However, it is common to do a pre-saccharification of typically 40-90 minutes at a temperature between 30-65° C., typically about 60° C., followed by complete saccharification during fermentation in a simultaneous saccharification and fermentation (SSF) process. Saccharification is typically carried out at a temperature in the range of 20−75° C., e.g., 25-65° C. and 40-70° C., typically around 60° C., and at a pH between about 4 and 5, normally at about pH 4.5.

The saccharification and fermentation steps may be carried out either sequentially or simultaneously. In an embodiment, saccharification and fermentation are performed simultaneously (referred to as “SSF”). However, it is common to perform a pre-saccharification step for about 30 minutes to 2 hours (e.g., 30 to 90 minutes) at a temperature of 30 to 65° C., typically around 60° C. which is followed by a complete saccharification during fermentation referred to as simultaneous saccharification and fermentation (SSF). The pH is usually between 4.2-4.8, e.g., pH 4.5. In a simultaneous saccharification and fermentation (SSF) process, there is no holding stage for saccharification, rather, the yeast and enzymes are added together.

In a typical saccharification process, maltodextrins produced during liquefaction are converted into dextrose by adding a glucoamylase and a debranching enzyme, such as an isoamylase (U.S. Pat. No. 4,335,208) or a pullulanase. The temperature is lowered to 60° C., prior to the addition of the glucoamylase and debranching enzyme. The saccharification process proceeds for 24-72 hours. Prior to addition of the saccharifying enzymes, the pH is reduced to below 4.5, while maintaining a high temperature (above 95° C.), to inactivate the liquefying alpha-amylase. This process reduces the formation of short oligosaccharide called “panose precursors,” which cannot be hydrolyzed properly by the debranching enzyme. Normally, about 0.2-0.5% of the saccharification product is the branched trisaccharide panose (Glc pα1-6Glc pα1-4Glc), which cannot be degraded by a pullulanase. If active amylase from the liquefaction remains present during saccharification (i.e., no denaturing), the amount of panose can be as high as 1-2%, which is highly undesirable since it lowers the saccharification yield significantly.

Other fermentation products may be fermented at conditions and temperatures well known to persons skilled in the art, suitable for the fermenting organism in question.

The fermentation product may be recovered by methods well known in the art, e.g., by distillation. Examples of carbohydrate-source generating enzymes are disclosed in the “Enzymes” section below.

In a particular embodiment, the process of the invention further comprises, prior to the conversion of a starch-containing material to sugars/dextrins the steps of:

-   (x) reducing the particle size of the starch-containing material;     and -   (y) forming a slurry comprising the starch-containing material and     water.

In an embodiment, the starch-containing material is milled to reduce the particle size. In an embodiment the particle size is reduced to between 0.05-3.0 mm, preferably 0.1-0.5 mm, or so that at least 30%, preferably at least 50%, more preferably at least 70%, even more preferably at least 90% of the starch-containing material fits through a sieve with a 0.05-3.0 mm screen, preferably 0.1-0.5 mm screen.

The aqueous slurry may contain from 10-55 wt. % dry solids (DS), preferably 25-45 wt. % dry solids (DS), more preferably 30-40 wt. % dry solids (DS) of starch-containing material. Conventional starch-conversion processes, such as liquefaction and saccharification processes are described, e.g., in U.S. Pat. No. 3,912,590, EP 252730 and EP 063909, which are incorporated herein by reference.

In an embodiment, the conversion process degrading starch to lower molecular weight carbohydrate components such as sugars or fat replacers includes a debranching step. In the case of converting starch into a sugar, the starch is depolymerized. Such a depolymerization process consists of, e.g., a pre-treatment step and two or three consecutive process steps, i.e., a liquefaction process, a saccharification process, and depending on the desired end-product, an optional isomerization process.

When the desired final sugar product is, e.g., high fructose syrup the dextrose syrup may be converted into fructose. After the saccharification process, the pH is increased to a value in the range of 6-8, e.g., pH 7.5, and the calcium is removed by ion exchange. The dextrose syrup is then converted into high fructose syrup using, e.g., an immobilized glucose isomerase.

Production of Fermentation Products

Fermentable sugars (e.g., dextrins, monosaccharides, particularly glucose) are produced from enzymatic saccharification. These fermentable sugars may be further purified and/or converted to useful sugar products. In addition, the sugars may be used as a fermentation feedstock in a microbial fermentation process for producing end-products, such as alcohol (e.g., ethanol, and butanol), organic acids (e.g., succinic acid, 3-HP and lactic acid), sugar alcohols (e.g., glycerol), ascorbic acid intermediates (e.g., gluconate, 2-keto-D-gluconate, 2,5-diketo-D-gluconate, and 2-keto-L-gulonic acid), amino acids (e.g., lysine), proteins (e.g., antibodies and fragment thereof).

In an embodiment, the fermentable sugars obtained during the liquefaction process steps are used to produce alcohol and particularly ethanol. In ethanol production, an SSF process is commonly used wherein the saccharifying enzymes and fermenting organisms (e.g., yeast) are added together and then carried out at a temperature of 30-40° C.

The organism used in fermentation will depend on the desired end-product. Typically, if ethanol is the desired end product yeast will be used as the fermenting organism. In some preferred embodiments, the ethanol-producing microorganism is a yeast and specifically Saccharomyces such as strains of S. cerevisiae (U.S. Pat. No. 4,316,956). A variety of S. cerevisiae are commercially available and these include but are not limited to FALI (Fleischmann's Yeast), SUPERSTART (Alltech), FERMIOL (DSM Specialties), RED STAR (Lesaffre) and Angel alcohol yeast (Angel Yeast Company, China). The amount of starter yeast employed in the methods is an amount effective to produce a commercially significant amount of ethanol in a suitable amount of time, (e.g., to produce at least 10% ethanol from a substrate having between 25-40% DS in less than 72 hours). Yeast cells are generally supplied in amounts of about 10⁴ to about 10¹², and preferably from about 10⁷ to about 10¹⁰ viable yeast count per mL of fermentation broth. After yeast is added to the mash, it is typically subjected to fermentation for about 24-96 hours, e.g., 35-60 hours. The temperature is between about 26-34° C., typically at about 32° C., and the pH is from pH 3-6, e.g., around pH 4-5.

The fermentation may include, in addition to a fermenting microorganisms (e.g., yeast), nutrients, and additional enzymes, including phytases. The use of yeast in fermentation is well known in the art.

In further embodiments, use of appropriate fermenting microorganisms, as is known in the art, can result in fermentation end product including, e.g., glycerol, 1,3-propanediol, gluconate, 2-keto-D-gluconate, 2,5-diketo-D-gluconate, 2-keto-L-gulonic acid, succinic acid, lactic acid, amino acids, and derivatives thereof. More specifically when lactic acid is the desired end product, a Lactobacillus sp. (L. casei) may be used; when glycerol or 1,3-propanediol are the desired end-products E. coli may be used; and when 2-keto-D-gluconate, 2,5-diketo-D-gluconate, and 2-keto-L-gulonic acid are the desired end products, Pantoea citrea may be used as the fermenting microorganism. The above enumerated list are only examples and one skilled in the art will be aware of a number of fermenting microorganisms that may be used to obtain a desired end product.

Processes for Producing Fermentation Products from Ungelatinized Starch-containing Material

The invention relates to processes for producing fermentation products from starch-containing material without gelatinization (i.e., without cooking) of the starch-containing material (often referred to as a “raw starch hydrolysis” process). The fermentation product, such as ethanol, can be produced without liquefying the aqueous slurry containing the starch-containing material and water. In one embodiment a process of the invention includes saccharifying (e.g., milled) starch-containing material, e.g., granular starch, below the initial gelatinization temperature, preferably in the presence of alpha-amylase and/or carbohydrate-source generating enzyme(s) to produce sugars that can be fermented into the fermentation product by a suitable fermenting organism. In this embodiment the desired fermentation product, e.g., ethanol, is produced from ungelatinized (i.e., uncooked), preferably milled, cereal grains, such as corn.

Accordingly, in one aspect the invention relates to processes for producing fermentation products from starch-containing material comprising simultaneously saccharifying and fermenting starch-containing material using a carbohydrate-source generating enzyme and a fermenting organism at a temperature below the initial gelatinization temperature of said starch-containing material. Saccharification and fermentation may also be separate. Thus in another aspect the invention relates to processes of producing fermentation products, comprising the following steps:

-   (i) saccharifying a starch-containing material at a temperature     below the initial gelatinization temperature; and -   (ii) fermenting using a fermentation organism;     wherein step (i) is carried out using at least a glucoamylase, and a     variant pullulanase according to the invention.

In one embodiment, an alpha amylase is added in step (i). In another embodiment steps (i) and (ii) are performed simultaneously.

In one embodiment, a protease is also present. The protease may be any acid fungal protease or metalloprotease. The fermentation product, e.g., ethanol, may optionally be recovered after fermentation, e.g., by distillation. Typically amylase(s), such as glucoamylase(s) and/or other carbohydrate-source generating enzymes, and/or alpha-amylase(s), is(are) present during fermentation. Examples of glucoamylases and other carbohydrate-source generating enzymes include raw starch hydrolyzing glucoamylases. Examples of alpha-amylase(s) include acid alpha-amylases such as acid fungal alpha-amylases. Examples of fermenting organisms include yeast, e.g., a strain of Saccharomyces cerevisiae. The term “initial gelatinization temperature” means the lowest temperature at which starch gelatinization commences. In general, starch heated in water begins to gelatinize between about 50° C. and 75° C.; the exact temperature of gelatinization depends on the specific starch and can readily be determined by the skilled artisan. Thus, the initial gelatinization temperature may vary according to the plant species, to the particular variety of the plant species as well as with the growth conditions. In the context of this invention the initial gelatinization temperature of a given starch-containing material may be determined as the temperature at which birefringence is lost in 5% of the starch granules using the method described by Gorinstein and Lii, 1992, Starch/Stärke 44(12): 461-466. Before initiating the process a slurry of starch-containing material, such as granular starch, having 10-55 w/w % dry solids (DS), preferably 25-45 w/w % dry solids, more preferably 30-40 w/w % dry solids of starch-containing material may be prepared. The slurry may include water and/or process waters, such as stillage (backset), scrubber water, evaporator condensate or distillate, side-stripper water from distillation, or process water from other fermentation product plants. Because the process of the invention is carried out below the initial gelatinization temperature, and thus no significant viscosity increase takes place, high levels of stillage may be used if desired. In an embodiment the aqueous slurry contains from about 1 to about 70 vol. %, preferably 15-60 vol. %, especially from about 30 to 50 vol. % water and/or process waters, such as stillage (backset), scrubber water, evaporator condensate or distillate, side-stripper water from distillation, or process water from other fermentation product plants, or combinations thereof, or the like. The starch-containing material may be prepared by reducing the particle size, preferably by dry or wet milling, to 0.05 to 3.0 mm, preferably 0.1-0.5 mm. After being subjected to a process of the invention at least 85%, at least 86%, at least 87%, at least 88%, at least 89%, at least 90%, at least 91%, at least 92%, at least 93%, at least 94%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, or preferably at least 99% of the dry solids in the starch-containing material are converted into a soluble starch hydrolyzate. A process in this aspect of the invention is conducted at a temperature below the initial gelatinization temperature, which means that the temperature typically lies in the range between 30-75° C., preferably between 45-60° C. In a preferred embodiment the process carried at a temperature from 25° C. to 40° C., such as from 28° C. to 35° C., such as from 30° C. to 34° C., preferably around 32° C. In an embodiment the process is carried out so that the sugar level, such as glucose level, is kept at a low level, such as below 6 w/w %, such as below about 3 w/w %, such as below about 2 w/w %, such as below about 1 w/w %, such as below about 0.5 w/w %, or below 0.25 w/w %, such as below about 0.1 w/w %. Such low levels of sugar can be accomplished by simply employing adjusted quantities of enzyme and fermenting organism. A skilled person in the art can easily determine which doses/quantities of enzyme and fermenting organism to use. The employed quantities of enzyme and fermenting organism may also be selected to maintain low concentrations of maltose in the fermentation broth. For instance, the maltose level may be kept below about 0.5 w/w %, such as below about 0.2 w/w %. The process of the invention may be carried out at a pH from about 3 and 7, preferably from pH 3.5 to 6, or more preferably from pH 4 to 5. In an embodiment fermentation is ongoing for 6 to 120 hours, in particular 24 to 96 hours.

Processes for Producing Fermentation Products from Gelatinized Starch-containing Material

In this aspect, the invention relates to processes for producing fermentation products, especially ethanol, from starch-containing material, which process includes a liquefaction step and sequentially or simultaneously performed saccharification and fermentation steps. Consequently, the invention relates to processes for producing fermentation products from starch-containing material comprising the steps of:

-   (a) liquefying starch-containing material in the presence of an     alpha-amylase; or -   (b) saccharifying the liquefied material obtained in step (a) using     a glucoamylase; -   (c) fermenting using a fermenting organism;     wherein step (a) and/or step (b) is carried out in the presence of a     pullulanase according to the invention.

In an embodiment, a protease, such as an acid fungal protease or a metallo protease is added before, during and/or after liquefaction. In an embodiment the metalloprotease is derived from a strain of Thermoascus, e.g., a strain of Thermoascus aurantiacus, especially Thermoascus aurantiacus CGMCC No. 0670. In another embodiment the protease is a bacterial protease, particularly a protease derived from a strain of Pyrococcus, more particularly from Pyrococcus furiosus disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,358,726. In an embodiment the glucoamylase derived from a strain of Aspergillus, e.g., Aspergillus niger or Aspergillus awamori, a strain of Talaromyces, especially Talaromyces emersonii; or a strain of Athelia, especially Athelia rolfsii; a strain of Trametes, e.g., Trametes cingulata; a strain of the genus Gloeophyllum, e.g., a strain of Gloeophyllum sepiarum or Gloeophyllum trabeum; or a mixture thereof. Saccharification step (b) and fermentation step (c) may be carried out either sequentially or simultaneously. A pullulanase and/or metalloprotease may be added during saccharification and/or fermentation when the process is carried out as a sequential saccharification and fermentation process and before or during fermentation when steps (b) and (c) are carried out simultaneously (SSF process). The pullulanase and/or metalloprotease may also advantageously be added before liquefaction (pre-liquefaction treatment), i.e., before or during step (a), and/or after liquefaction (post liquefaction treatment), i.e., after step (a). The pullulanase is most advantageously added before or during liquefaction, i.e., before or during step (a). The fermentation product, such as especially ethanol, may optionally be recovered after fermentation, e.g., by distillation. The fermenting organism is preferably yeast, preferably a strain of Saccharomyces cerevisiae. In a particular embodiment, the process of the invention further comprises, prior to step (a), the steps of:

-   x) reducing the particle size of the starch-containing material,     preferably by milling (e.g., using a hammer mill); -   y) forming a slurry comprising the starch-containing material and     water.

In an embodiment, the particle size is smaller than a #7 screen, e.g., a #6 screen. A #7 screen is usually used in conventional prior art processes. The aqueous slurry may contain from 10-55, e.g., 25-45 and 30-40, w/w % dry solids (DS) of starch-containing material. The slurry is heated to above the gelatinization temperature and an alpha-amylase variant may be added to initiate liquefaction (thinning). The slurry may in an embodiment be jet-cooked to further gelatinize the slurry before being subjected to alpha-amylase in step (a). Liquefaction may in an embodiment be carried out as a three-step hot slurry process. The slurry is heated to between 60-95° C., preferably between 70-90° C., such as preferably between 80-85° C. at pH 4-6, preferably 4.5-5.5, and alpha-amylase variant, optionally together with a pullulanase and/or protease, preferably metalloprotease, are added to initiate liquefaction (thinning). In an embodiment the slurry may then be jet-cooked at a temperature between 95-140° C., preferably 100-135° C., such as 105-125° C., for about 1-15 minutes, preferably for about 3-10 minutes, especially around about 5 minutes. The slurry is cooled to 60-95° C. and more alpha-amylase variant and optionally pullulanase variant and/or protease, preferably metalloprotease, is(are) added to finalize hydrolysis (secondary liquefaction). The liquefaction process is usually carried out at pH 4.0-6, in particular at a pH from 4.5 to 5.5. Saccharification step (b) may be carried out using conditions well known in the art. For instance, a full saccharification process may last up to from about 24 to about 72 hours, however, it is common only to do a pre-saccharification of typically 40-90 minutes at a temperature between 30-65° C., typically about 60° C., followed by complete saccharification during fermentation in a simultaneous saccharification and fermentation process (SSF process). Saccharification is typically carried out at temperatures from 20-75° C., preferably from 40-70° C., typically around 60° C., and at a pH between 4 and 5, normally at about pH 4.5. The most widely used process to produce a fermentation product, especially ethanol, is a simultaneous saccharification and fermentation (SSF) process, in which there is no holding stage for the saccharification, meaning that a fermenting organism, such as yeast, and enzyme(s), may be added together. SSF may typically be carried out at a temperature from 25° C. to 40° C., such as from 28° C. to 35° C., such as from 30° C. to 34° C., preferably around about 32° C. In an embodiment fermentation is ongoing for 6 to 120 hours, in particular 24 to 96 hours.

Starch-Containing Materials

Any suitable starch-containing starting material may be used in a process of the present invention. The starting material is generally selected based on the desired fermentation product. Examples of starch-containing starting materials, suitable for use in the processes of the present invention, include barley, beans, cassava, cereals, corn, milo, peas, potatoes, rice, rye, sago, sorghum, sweet potatoes, tapioca, wheat, and whole grains, or any mixture thereof. The starch-containing material may also be a waxy or non-waxy type of corn and barley. In a preferred embodiment the starch-containing material is corn. In a preferred embodiment the starch-containing material is wheat.

Fermentation Products

The term “fermentation product” means a product produced by a method or process including fermenting using a fermenting organism. Fermentation products include alcohols (e.g., ethanol, methanol, butanol); organic acids (e.g., citric acid, acetic acid, itaconic acid, lactic acid, succinic acid, gluconic acid); ketones (e.g., acetone); amino acids (e.g., glutamic acid); gases (e.g., H₂ and CO₂); antibiotics (e.g., penicillin and tetracycline); enzymes; vitamins (e.g., riboflavin, B₁₂, beta-carotene); and hormones. In a preferred embodiment the fermentation product is ethanol, e.g., fuel ethanol; drinking ethanol, i.e., potable neutral spirits; or industrial ethanol or products used in the consumable alcohol industry (e.g., beer and wine), dairy industry (e.g., fermented dairy products), leather industry and tobacco industry. Preferred beer types comprise ales, stouts, porters, lagers, bitters, malt liquors, happoushu, high-alcohol beer, low-alcohol beer, low-calorie beer or light beer. In an preferred embodiment the fermentation product is ethanol.

Starch Slurry Processing with Stillage

Milled starch-containing material is combined with water and recycled thin-stillage resulting in an aqueous slurry. The slurry can comprise between 15 to 55% ds w/w (e.g., 20 to 50%, 25 to 50%, 25 to 45%, 25 to 40%, 20 to 35% and 30-36% ds). In some embodiments, the recycled thin-stillage (backset) is in the range of about 10 to 70% v/v (e.g., 10 to 60%, 10 to 50%, 10 to 40%, 10 to 30%, 10 to 20%, 20 to 60%, 20 to 50%, 20 to 40% and also 20 to 30%). Once the milled starch-containing material is combined with water and backset, the pH is not adjusted in the slurry. Further the pH is not adjusted after the addition of a phytase and optionally an alpha-amylase to the slurry. In an embodiment, the pH of the slurry will be in the range of about pH 4.5 to less than about 6.0 (e.g., pH 4.5 to 5.8, pH 4.5 to 5.6, pH 4.8 to 5.8, pH 5.0 to 5.8, pH 5.0 to 5.4, pH 5.2 to 5.5 and pH 5.2 to 5.9). The pH of the slurry may be between about pH 4.5 and 5.2 depending on the amount of thin stillage added to the slurry and the type of material comprising the thin stillage. For example, the pH of the thin stillage may be between pH 3.8 and pH 4.5.

During ethanol production, acids can be added to lower the pH in the beer well, to reduce the risk of microbial contamination prior to distillation.

In some embodiments, a phytase is added to the slurry. In other embodiments, in addition to phytase, an alpha-amylase is added to the slurry. In some embodiments, a phytase and alpha-amylase are added to the slurry sequentially. In other embodiments, a phytase and alpha-amylase are added simultaneously. In some embodiments, the slurry comprising a phytase and optionally, an alpha-amylase, are incubated (pretreated) for a period of about 5 minutes to about 8 hours (e.g., 5 minutes to 6 hours, 5 minutes to 4 hours, 5 minutes to 2 hours, and 15 minutes to 4 hours). In other embodiments, the slurry is incubated at a temperature in the range of about 40 to 115° C. (e.g., 45 to 80° C., 50 to 70° C., 50 to 75° C., 60 to 110° C., 60 to 95° C., 70 to 110° C., 70 to 85° C. and 77 to 86° C.).

In other embodiments, the slurry is incubated at a temperature of about 0 to about 30° C. (e.g., 0 to 25° C., 0 to 20° C., 0 to 15° C., 0 to 10° C. and 0 to 5° C.) below the starch gelatinization temperature of the starch-containing material. In some embodiments, the temperature is below about 68° C., below about 65° C., below about 62° C., below about 60° C. and below about 55° C. In some embodiments, the temperature is above about 45° C., above about 50° C., above about 55° C. and above about 60° C. In some embodiments, the incubation of the slurry comprising a phytase and an alpha-amylase at a temperature below the starch gelatinization temperature is referred to as a primary (1°) liquefaction.

In one embodiment, the milled starch-containing material is corn or milo. The slurry comprises 25 to 40% DS, the pH is in the range of 4.8 to 5.2, and the slurry is incubated with a phytase and optionally an alpha-amylase for 5 minutes to 2 hours, at a temperature range of 60 to 75° C.

Currently, it is believed that commercially-available microbial alpha-amylases used in the liquefaction process are generally not stable enough to produce liquefied starch substrate from a dry mill process using whole ground grain at a temperature above about 80° C. at a pH level that is less than pH 5.6. The stability of many commercially available alpha-amylases is reduced at a pH of less than about 4.0.

In a further liquefaction step, the incubated or pretreated starch-containing material is exposed to an increase in temperature such as about 0 to about 45° C. above the starch gelatinization temperature of the starch-containing material (e.g., 70° C. to 120° C., 70° C. to 110° C., and 70° C. to 90° C.) for a period of time of about 2 minutes to about 6 hours (e.g., 2 minutes to 4 hours, 90 minutes, 140 minutes and 90 to 140 minutes) at a pH of about 4.0 to 5.5 more preferably between 1 hour to 2 hours. The temperature can be increased by a conventional high temperature jet cooking system for a short period of time, for example, for 1 to 15 minutes. Then the starch maybe further hydrolyzed at a temperature ranging from about 75° C. to 95° C. (e.g., 80° C. to 90° C. and 80° C. to 85° C.) for a period of about 15 to 150 minutes (e.g., 30 to 120 minutes). In a preferred embodiment, the pH is not adjusted during these process steps and the pH of the liquefied mash is in the range of about pH 4.0 to pH 5.8 (e.g., pH 4.5 to 5.8, pH 4.8 to 5.4, and pH 5.0 to 5.2). In some embodiments, a second dose of thermostable alpha-amylase is added to the secondary liquefaction step, but in other embodiments there is no additional dosage of alpha-amylase.

The incubation and liquefaction steps may be followed by saccharification and fermentation steps well known in the art.

Distillation

Optionally, following fermentation, an alcohol (e.g., ethanol) may be extracted by, for example, distillation and optionally followed by one or more process steps.

In some embodiments, the yield of ethanol produced by the methods provided herein is at least 8%, at least 10%, at least 12%, at least 14%, at least 15%, at least 16%, at least 17% and at least 18% (v/v) and at least 23% v/v. The ethanol obtained according to the process provided herein may be used as, for example, fuel ethanol, drinking ethanol, i.e., potable neutral spirits, or industrial ethanol.

By-Products

Left over from the fermentation is the grain, which is typically used for animal feed either in liquid or dried form. In further embodiments, the end product may include the fermentation co-products such as distiller's dried grains (DDG) and distiller's dried grain plus solubles (DDGS), which may be used, for example, as an animal feed.

Further details on how to carry out liquefaction, saccharification, fermentation, distillation, and recovery of ethanol are well known to the skilled person.

According to the process provided herein, the saccharification and fermentation may be carried out simultaneously or separately.

Fermenting Organisms

The term “fermenting organism” refers to any organism, including bacterial and fungal organisms, such as yeast and filamentous fungi, suitable for producing a desired fermentation product. Suitable fermenting organisms are able to ferment, i.e., convert, fermentable sugars, such as arabinose, fructose, glucose, maltose, mannose, or xylose, directly or indirectly into the desired fermentation product.

Examples of fermenting organisms include fungal organisms such as yeast. Preferred yeast include strains of Saccharomyces, in particular Saccharomyces cerevisiae or Saccharomyces uvarum; strains of Pichia, in particular Pichia stipitis such as Pichia stipitis CBS 5773 or Pichia pastoris; strains of Candida, in particular Candida arabinofermentans, Candida boidinii, Candida diddensii, Candida shehatae, Candida sonorensis, Candida tropicalis, or Candida utilis. Other fermenting organisms include strains of Hansenula, in particular Hansenula anomala or Hansenula polymorpha; strains of Kluyveromyces, in particular Kluyveromyces fragilis or Kluyveromyces marxianus; and strains of Schizosaccharomyces, in particular Schizosaccharomyces pombe.

Preferred bacterial fermenting organisms include strains of Escherichia, in particular Escherichia coli, strains of Zymomonas, in particular Zymomonas mobilis, strains of Zymobacter, in particular Zymobactor palmae, strains of Klebsiella in particular Klebsiella oxytoca, strains of Leuconostoc, in particular Leuconostoc mesenteroides, strains of Clostridium, in particular Clostridium butyricum, strains of Enterobacter, in particular Enterobacter aerogenes, and strains of Thermoanaerobacter, in particular Thermoanaerobacter BG1L1 (Appl. Microbiol. Biotech. 77: 61-86), Thermoanaerobacter ethanolicus, Thermoanaerobacter mathranii, or Thermoanaerobacter thermosaccharolyticum. Strains of Lactobacillus are also envisioned as are strains of Corynebacterium glutamicum R, Bacillus thermoglucosidaisus, and Geobaciflus thermoglucosidasius.

In an embodiment, the fermenting organism is a C6 sugar fermenting organism, such as a strain of, e.g., Saccharomyces cerevisiae.

In an embodiment, the fermenting organism is a C5 sugar fermenting organism, such as a strain of, e.g., Saccharomyces cerevisiae.

In one embodiment, the fermenting organism is added to the fermentation medium so that the viable fermenting organism, such as yeast, count per mL of fermentation medium is in the range from 10⁵ to 10¹², preferably from 10⁷ to 10¹⁰, especially about 5×10⁷.

Yeast is the preferred fermenting organism for ethanol fermentation. Preferred are strains of Saccharomyces, especially strains of the species Saccharomyces cerevisiae, preferably strains which are resistant towards high levels of ethanol, i.e., up to, e.g., about 10, 12, 15 or 20 vol. % or more ethanol.

In an embodiment, the C5 utilizing yeast is a Saccharomyces cerevisiae strain disclosed in WO2004/085627.

In an embodiment, the fermenting organism is a C5 eukaryotic microbial cell concerned in WO 2010/074577 (Nadalco).

In an embodiment, the fermenting organism is a transformed C5 eukaryotic cell capable of directly isomerize xylose to xylose disclosed in US 2008/0014620.

In an embodiment, the fermenting organism is a 05 sugar fermentating cell disclosed in WO 2009/109633.

Commercially available yeast include LNF SA-1, LNF BG-1, LNF PE-2, and LNF CAT-1 (available from LNF Brazil), RED STAR™ and ETHANOL RED™ yeast (available from Fermentis/Lesaffre, USA), FALI (available from Fleischmann's Yeast, USA), SUPERSTART and THERMOSACC™ fresh yeast (available from Ethanol Technology, WI, USA), BIOFERM AFT and XR (available from NABC—North American Bioproducts Corporation, GA, USA), GERT STRAND (available from Gert Strand AB, Sweden), and FERMIOL (available from DSM Specialties).

The fermenting organism capable of producing a desired fermentation product from fermentable sugars is preferably grown under precise conditions at a particular growth rate. When the fermenting organism is introduced into/added to the fermentation medium the inoculated fermenting organism pass through a number of stages. Initially growth does not occur. This period is referred to as the “lag phase” and may be considered a period of adaptation. During the next phase referred to as the “exponential phase” the growth rate gradually increases. After a period of maximum growth the rate ceases and the fermenting organism enters “stationary phase”. After a further period of time the fermenting organism enters the “death phase” where the number of viable cells declines.

Fermentation

The fermentation conditions are determined based on, e.g., the kind of plant material, the available fermentable sugars, the fermenting organism(s) and/or the desired fermentation product. One skilled in the art can easily determine suitable fermentation conditions. The fermentation may be carried out at conventionally used conditions. Preferred fermentation processes are anaerobic processes.

For example, fermentations may be carried out at temperatures as high as 75° C., e.g., between 40-70° C., such as between 50-60° C. However, bacteria with a significantly lower temperature optimum down to around room temperature (around 20° C.) are also known. Examples of suitable fermenting organisms can be found in the “Fermenting Organisms” section above.

For ethanol production using yeast, the fermentation may go on for 24 to 96 hours, in particular for 35 to 60 hours. In an embodiment the fermentation is carried out at a temperature between 20 to 40° C., preferably 26 to 34° C., in particular around 32° C. In an embodiment the pH is from pH 3 to 6, preferably around pH 4 to 5.

Other fermentation products may be fermented at temperatures known to the skilled person in the art to be suitable for the fermenting organism in question.

Fermentation is typically carried out at a pH in the range between 3 and 7, preferably from pH 3.5 to 6, such as around pH 5. Fermentations are typically ongoing for 6-96 hours.

The processes of the invention may be performed as a batch or as a continuous process. Fermentations may be conducted in an ultrafiltration system wherein the retentate is held under recirculation in the presence of solids, water, and the fermenting organism, and wherein the permeate is the desired fermentation product containing liquid. Equally contemplated are methods/processes conducted in continuous membrane reactors with ultrafiltration membranes and where the retentate is held under recirculation in presence of solids, water, and the fermenting organism(s) and where the permeate is the fermentation product containing liquid. After fermentation the fermenting organism may be separated from the fermented slurry and recycled.

Fermentation Medium

The phrase “fermentation media” or “fermentation medium” refers to the environment in which fermentation is carried out and comprises the fermentation substrate, that is, the carbohydrate source that is metabolized by the fermenting organism(s).

The fermentation medium may comprise other nutrients and growth stimulator(s) for the fermenting organism(s). Nutrient and growth stimulators are widely used in the art of fermentation and include nitrogen sources, such as ammonia; vitamins and minerals, or combinations thereof.

Recovery

Subsequent to fermentation, the fermentation product may be separated from the fermentation medium. The fermentation medium may be distilled to extract the desired fermentation product or the desired fermentation product may be extracted from the fermentation medium by micro or membrane filtration techniques. Alternatively, the fermentation product may be recovered by stripping. Methods for recovery are well known in the art.

Compositions

The present invention also relates to compositions comprising a hybrid pullulanase according to the invention and at least one additional enzyme. The additional enzyme(s) may be selected from the group consisting of an alpha amylase, glucoamylase, beta-amylase, cellulase (beta-glucosidase, cellobiohydrolase and endoglucanase), hemicellulase (e.g., xylanase), isoamylase, isomerase, lipase, phytase, protease, a further pullulanase, and/or other enzymes useful in a commercial process in conjunction with a pullulanase. Such enzymes are known in the art in starch processing, sugar conversion, fermentations for alcohol and other useful end-products, commercial detergents and cleaning aids, stain removal, fabric treatment or desizing, and the like.

The enzyme composition of the present invention may be in any form suitable for use, such as, for example, a crude fermentation broth with or without cells removed, a cell lysate with or without cellular debris, a semi-purified or purified enzyme composition, or a host cell, e.g., Trichoderma host cell, as a source of the enzymes.

The enzyme composition may be a dry powder or granulate, a non-dusting granulate, a liquid, a stabilized liquid, or a stabilized protected enzyme. Liquid enzyme compositions may, for instance, be stabilized by adding stabilizers such as a sugar, a sugar alcohol or another polyol, and/or lactic acid or another organic acid according to established processes.

Enzymes

The enzyme(s) and polypeptides described below are to be used in an “effective amount” in processes of the present invention.

Alpha-Amylases

Any alpha-amylase may be used, such as of fungal, bacterial or plant origin. In a preferred embodiment the alpha-amylase is an acid alpha-amylase, e.g., acid fungal or acid bacterial alpha-amylase. The term “acid alpha-amylase” means an alpha-amylase (EC 3.2.1.1) which added in an effective amount has activity optimum at a pH in the range of 3 to 7, preferably from 3.5 to 6, or more preferably from 4-5.

Bacterial Alpha-Amylases

An alpha-amylase for use in the present invention may be a bacterial alpha-amylase, e.g., derived from Bacillus. In a preferred embodiment the Bacillus alpha-amylase is derived from a strain of Bacillus amyloliquefaciens, Bacillus licheniformis, Bacillus stearothermophilus, or Bacillus subtilis, but may also be derived from other Bacillus sp.

Specific examples of alpha-amylases include the Bacillus amyloliquefaciens alpha-amylase of SEQ ID NO: 5 in WO 99/19467, the Bacillus licheniformis alpha-amylase of SEQ ID NO: 4 in WO 99/19467, and the Bacillus stearothermophilus alpha-amylase of SEQ ID NO: 3 in WO 99/19467 (all sequences are hereby incorporated by reference). In an embodiment the alpha-amylase may be an enzyme having a degree of identity of at least 60%, e.g., at least 70%, at least 80%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98% or at least 99% to any of the sequences shown in SEQ ID NOS: 3, 4 or 5, respectively, in WO 99/19467.

The Bacillus alpha-amylase may also be a variant and/or hybrid, especially one described in any of WO 96/23873, WO 96/23874, WO 97/41213, WO 99/19467, WO 00/60059, and WO 02/10355 (all documents are hereby incorporated by reference). Specific alpha-amylase variants are disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,093,562, 6,187,576, and 6,297,038 (hereby incorporated by reference) and include Bacillus stearothermophilus alpha-amylase (BSG alpha-amylase) variants having a deletion of one or two amino acids at positions R179 to G182, preferably a double deletion disclosed in WO 96/23873—see, e.g., page 20, lines 1-10 (hereby incorporated by reference), preferably corresponding to delta(181-182) compared to the amino acid sequence of Bacillus stearothermophilus alpha-amylase set forth in SEQ ID NO: 3 disclosed in WO 99/19467 or the deletion of amino acids R179 and G180 using SEQ ID NO: 3 in WO 99/19467 for numbering (which reference is hereby incorporated by reference). Even more preferred are Bacillus alpha-amylases, especially Bacillus stearothermophilus alpha-amylases, which have a double deletion corresponding to delta(181-182) and further comprise a N193F substitution (also denoted I181*+G182*+N193F) compared to the wild-type BSG alpha-amylase amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 3 disclosed in WO 99/19467. The bacterial alpha-amylase may also have a substitution in a position corresponding to S239 in the Bacillus licheniformis alpha-amylase shown in SEQ ID NO: 4 in WO 99/19467, or a S242 variant of the Bacillus stearothermophilus alpha-amylase of SEQ ID NO: 3 in WO 99/19467. In a preferred embodiment the alpha-amylase is selected from the group of Bacillus stearomthermphilus alpha-amylase variants:

-   I181*+G182*+N193F+E129V+K177L+R179E; -   I181*+G182*+N193F+V59A+Q89R+E129V+K177L+R179E+H208Y+K220P+N224L+Q254S; -   I181*+G182*+N193F+V59A+Q89R+E129V+K177L+R179E+Q2545+M284V; and -   I181*+G182*+N193F+E129V+K177L+R179E+K220P+N224L+5242Q+Q254S (using     SEQ ID NO: 3 disclosed in WO 99/19467 for numbering).     Bacterial Hybrid Alpha-Amylases

The alpha-amylase may be a hybrid alpha-amylase, e.g., an alpha-amylase comprising 445 C-terminal amino acid residues of the Bacillus licheniformis alpha-amylase (shown in SEQ ID NO: 4 of WO 99/19467) and the 37 N-terminal amino acid residues of the alpha-amylase derived from Bacillus amyloliquefaciens (shown in SEQ ID NO: 5 of WO 99/19467), with one or more, especially all, of the following substitutions:

-   G48A+T49I+G107A+H156Y+A181T+N190F+1201F+A209V+Q2645 (using the     Bacillus licheniformis numbering in SEQ ID NO: 4 of WO 99/19467).     Also preferred are variants having one or more of the following     mutations (or corresponding mutations in other Bacillus     alpha-amylases): H154Y, A181T, N190F, A209V and Q2645 and/or the     deletion of two residues between positions 176 and 179, preferably     the deletion of E178 and G179 (using SEQ ID NO: 5 of WO 99/19467 for     position numbering).     Fungal Alpha-Amylases

Fungal alpha-amylases include alpha-amylases derived from a strain of Aspergillus, such as, Aspergillus kawachii, Aspergillus niger and Aspergillus oryzae alpha-amylases.

A preferred acidic fungal alpha-amylase is an alpha-amylase which exhibits a high identity, i.e., at least 70%, at least 75%, at least 80%, at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, at least 99% or even 100% identity to the mature part of the amino acid sequence shown in SEQ ID NO: 10 in WO 96/23874.

Another preferred acid alpha-amylase is derived from a strain of Aspergillus niger. In a preferred embodiment the acid fungal alpha-amylase is an Aspergillus niger alpha-amylase disclosed as “AMYA_ASPNG” in the Swiss-prot/TeEMBL database under the primary accession no. P56271 and described in WO 89/01969 (Example 3—incorporated by reference).

Other wild-type alpha-amylases include those derived from a strain of Meripilus and Rhizomucor, preferably a strain of Meripilus giganteus or Rhizomucor pusillus (WO 2004/055178 which is incorporated herein by reference).

In a preferred embodiment, the alpha-amylase is derived from Aspergillus kawachii (Kaneko et al., 1996, J. Ferment. Bioeng. 81: 292-298, “Molecular-cloning and determination of the nucleotide-sequence of a gene encoding an acid-stable alpha-amylase from Aspergillus kawachii”; and further as EMBL: #AB008370).

The fungal alpha-amylase may also be a wild-type enzyme comprising a starch-binding domain (SBD) and an alpha-amylase catalytic domain, or a variant thereof.

Fungal Hybrid Alpha-Amylases

In a preferred embodiment, the fungal acid alpha-amylase is a hybrid alpha-amylase. Examples of fungal hybrid alpha-amylases include the ones disclosed in WO 2005/003311, U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2005/0054071 (Novozymes), and WO 2006/069290 (Novozymes), which are hereby incorporated by reference. A hybrid alpha-amylase may comprise an alpha-amylase catalytic domain (CD) and a carbohydrate-binding domain/module (CBM), such as a starch binding domain (SBD), and optionally a linker.

Examples of hybrid alpha-amylases include those disclosed in Tables 1 to 5 of the examples in WO 2006/069290 including the variant with the catalytic domain JA118 and Athelia rolfsii SBD (SEQ ID NO: 100 in WO 2006/069290), Rhizomucor pusillus alpha-amylase with Athelia rolfsii AMG linker and SBD (SEQ ID NO: 101 in WO 2006/069290), Rhizomucor pusillus alpha-amylase with Aspergillus niger glucoamylase linker and SBD (which is disclosed in Table 5 as a combination of amino acid sequences SEQ ID NO: 20, SEQ ID NO: 72 and SEQ ID NO: 96 in U.S. application Ser. No. 11/316,535) or as V039 in Table 5 in WO2006/069290, and Meripilus giganteus alpha-amylase with Athelia rolfsii glucoamylase linker and SBD (SEQ ID NO: 102 in WO 2006/069290). Other hybrid alpha-amylases are listed in Tables 3, 4, 5, and 6 in Example 4 in U.S. application Ser. No. 11/316,535 and WO 2006/069290 (which are hereby incorporated by reference).

In a preferred embodiment the alpha-amylase is an alpha-amylase derived from Rhizomucor pusillus with an Aspergillus niger glucoamylase linker and starch-binding domain (SBD), preferably the one shown in SEQ ID NO: 7 in WO2013/006756, preferably having one or more of the following substitutions: G128D, D143N, especially G128D+D143N.

Other examples of hybrid alpha-amylases include those disclosed in U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2005/0054071, including those disclosed in Table 3 on page 15, such as Aspergillus niger alpha-amylase with Aspergillus kawachii linker and starch binding domain.

Other alpha-amylases exhibit a high degree of sequence identity to any of above mentioned alpha-amylases, i.e., at least 70%, at least 75%, at least 80%, at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, at least 99% or even 100% identity to the mature enzyme sequences disclosed above.

Commercial Alpha-Amylase Products

Preferred commercial compositions comprising alpha-amylase include MYCOLASE™ (DSM), BAN™, TERMAMYL™ SC, FUNGAMYL™, LIQUOZYME™ X, LIQUOZYME™ SC and SAN™ SUPER, SAN™ EXTRA L (Novozymes A/S) and CLARASE™ L-40,000, DEX-LO™, SPEZYME™ FRED, SPEZYME™ AA, SPEZYME™ ALPHA, SPEZYME™ DELTA AA, GC358, GC980, SPEZYME™ CL and SPEZYME™ RSL (DuPont Industrial Biosciences), and the acid fungal alpha-amylase from Aspergillus niger referred to as SP288 (available from Novozymes A/S, Denmark).

Carbohydrate-Source Generating Enzymes (Saccharifying Enzymes)

The term “carbohydrate-source generating enzyme” includes glucoamylase (a glucose generator), beta-amylase and maltogenic amylase (both maltose generators) and also alpha-glucosidase, isoamylase and pullulanase. A carbohydrate-source generating enzyme is capable of producing a carbohydrate that can be used as an energy-source by the fermenting organism(s) in question, for instance, when used in a process of the invention for producing a fermentation product, such as ethanol. The generated carbohydrate may be converted directly or indirectly to the desired fermentation product, preferably ethanol. A mixture of carbohydrate-source generating enzymes may be used. Blends include mixtures comprising at least a glucoamylase and an alpha-amylase, especially an acid amylase, even more preferred an acid fungal alpha-amylase.

In a conventional starch-to-ethanol process (i.e., including a liquefaction step), the ratio may preferably be as defined in EP 140410, especially when saccharification and fermentation are carried out simultaneously.

Glucoamylases

The term “glucoamylase” (1,4-alpha-D-glucan glucohydrolase, EC 3.2.1.3) is an enzyme, which catalyzes the release of D-glucose from the non-reducing ends of starch or related oligo- and polysaccharide molecules.

The glucoamylase may added in an amount of 0.001 to 10 AGU/g DS, preferably from 0.01 to 5 AGU/g DS, such as around 0.1, 0.3, 0.5, 1 or 2 AGU/g DS, especially 0.1 to 0.5 AGU/g DS or 0.02-20 AGU/g DS, preferably 0.1-10 AGU/g DS.

A glucoamylase may be derived from any suitable source, e.g., derived from a microorganism or a plant. Preferred glucoamylases are of fungal or bacterial origin, selected from the group consisting of Aspergillus glucoamylases, in particular Aspergillus niger G1 or G2 glucoamylase (Boel et al., 1984, EMBO J. 3(5): 1097-1102), or variants thereof, such as those disclosed in WO 92/00381, WO 00/04136 and WO 01/04273 (from Novozymes, Denmark); the A. awamori glucoamylase disclosed in WO 84/02921, Aspergillus oryzae glucoamylase (Hata et al., 1991, Agric. Biol. Chem. 55(4): 941-949), or variants or fragments thereof. Other Aspergillus glucoamylase variants include variants with enhanced thermal stability: G137A and G139A (Chen et al., 1996, Prot. Eng. 9:499-505); D257E and D293E/Q (Chen et al., 1995, Prot. Eng. 8: 575-582); N182 (Chen et al., 1994, Biochem. J. 301: 275-281); disulphide bonds, A2460 (Fierobe et al., 1996, Biochemistry 35: 8698-8704; and introduction of Pro residues in positions A435 and S436 (Li et al., 1997, Prot. Eng. 10: 1199-1204.

Other glucoamylases include Athelia rolfsii (previously denoted Corticium rolfsii) glucoamylase (see U.S. Pat. No. 4,727,026 and Nagasaka et al., 1998, Appl. Microbiol. Biotechnol. 50: 323-330), Talaromyces glucoamylases, in particular derived from Talaromyces duponti, Talaromyces emersonii (WO 99/28448), Talaromyces leycettanus (U.S. Pat. No. Re. 32,153), and Talaromyces thermophilus (U.S. Pat. No. 4,587,215). Gloeophyllum sp. (US 2012/0214196).

In a specific embodiment the glucoamylase is from a strain of the genus Penicillium, especially a strain of Penicillium oxalicum, in particular the Penicillium oxalicum glucoamylase disclosed as SEQ ID NO: 2 in WO 2011/127802. In a preferred embodiment the glucoamylase is a variant of the Penicillium oxalicum glucoamylase disclosed as SEQ ID NO: 2 in WO 2011/127802 having a K79V substitution using the mature polypeptide (amino acids 22-616 of SEQ ID NO: 2) for numbering, and described in WO 2013/036526. In a preferred embodiment the glucoamylase is a variant of the Penicillium oxalicum glucoamylase disclosed as amino acids 22-616 of SEQ ID NO: 2 in WO 2011/127802 having a K79V substitution and one or more of the following substitutions P2N, P45, P11F, T65A, Q327F, especially P2N+P45+P11F+T65A+Q327F as described in WO2013/053801.

In a specific embodiment the glucoamylase is from a strain of the genus Pycnoporus, especially a strain of Pycnoporus sanguineus, in particular the Pycnoporus sanguineus glucoamylase disclosed as SEQ ID NO: 2, 4, or 6 in WO 2011/066576. In a preferred embodiment the enzyme composition comprises the glucoamylase shown as amino acids 19-573 of SEQ ID NO: 6 in WO 2011/066576.

In a specific embodiment the glucoamylase is from a strain of the genus Gloeophillum, especially a strain of Gloeophyllum trabeum, in particular the Gloeophyllum trabeum glucoamylase disclosed as SEQ ID NO: 18 in WO 2011/068803. In an especially preferred embodiment the enzyme composition comprises the Gloeophyllum trabeum glucoamylase shown in amino acids 18-576 of SEQ ID NO: 18 in WO2011/068803, and having one or more of the following substitutions: 595P, A121P, especially 595P+A121P using the mature polypeptide (positions 18-576 of SEQ ID NO: 18) for numbering.

In a specific embodiment the glucoamylase is from a strain of the genus Gloeophillum, especially a strain of Gloeophillum sepiarium, in particular the mature Gloeophillum sepiarium glucoamylase disclosed as amino acids 18-573 of SEQ ID NO: 2 in WO2011/068803.

Bacterial glucoamylases include glucoamylases from Clostridium, in particular C. thermoamylolyticum (EP 135138) and C. thermohydrosulfuricum (WO 86/01831), Trametes cingulata, Pachykytospora papyracea, and Leucopaxillus giganteus, all disclosed in WO 2006/069289; or Peniophora rufomarginata disclosed in PCT/U52007/066618; or a mixture thereof. A hybrid glucoamylase may be used in the present invention. Examples of hybrid glucoamylases are disclosed in WO 2005/045018. Specific examples include the hybrid glucoamylase disclosed in Tables 1 and 4 of Example 1 (which hybrids are hereby incorporated by reference).

The glucoamylase may have a high degree of sequence identity to any of above mentioned glucoamylases, i.e., at least 70%, at least 75%, at least 80%, at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, at least 99% or even 100% identity to the mature enzymes sequences mentioned above.

Commercially available glucoamylase compositions include AMG 200L; AMG 300L; SAN™ SUPER, SAN™ EXTRA L, SPIRIZYME™ PLUS, SPIRIZYME™ FUEL, SPIRIZYME™ B4U, SPIRIZYME ULTRA™ and AMG™ E (from Novozymes A/S, Denmark); OPTIDEX™ 300, GC480™ and GC147™ (from DuPont Industrial Biosciences, USA); AMIGASE™ and AMIGASE™ PLUS (from DSM); G-ZYME™ G900, G-ZYME™ and G990 ZR (from DuPont Industrial Biosciences).

Glucoamylases may be added in an amount of 0.02-20 AGU/g DS, preferably 0.1-10 AGU/g DS, especially between 1-5 AGU/g DS, such as 0.1-2 AGU/g DS, such as 0.5 AGU/g DS or in an amount of 0.0001-20 AGU/g DS, preferably 0.001-10 AGU/g DS, especially between 0.01-5 AGU/g DS, such as 0.1-2 AGU/g DS.

Beta-amylases

A beta-amylase (E.C 3.2.1.2) is the name traditionally given to exo-acting maltogenic amylases, which catalyze the hydrolysis of 1,4-alpha-glucosidic linkages in amylose, amylopectin and related glucose polymers. Maltose units are successively removed from the non-reducing chain ends in a step-wise manner until the molecule is degraded or, in the case of amylopectin, until a branch point is reached. The maltose released has the beta anomeric configuration, hence the name beta-amylase.

Beta-amylases have been isolated from various plants and microorganisms (Fogarty and Kelly, 1979, Progress in Industrial Microbiology 15: 112-115). These beta-amylases are characterized by having a temperature optimum in the range from 40° C. to 65° C. and a pH optimum in the range from 4.5 to 7. A commercially available beta-amylase from barley is NOVOZYM™ WBA from Novozymes A/S, Denmark and SPEZYME™ BBA 1500 from DuPont Industrial Biosciences, USA.

Maltogenic Amylases

The amylase may also be a maltogenic alpha-amylase (glucan 1,4-alpha-maltohydrolase, EC 3.2.1.133), which catalyzes the hydrolysis of amylose and amylopectin to maltose in the alpha-configuration. A maltogenic amylase from Bacillus stearothermophilus strain NCIB 11837 is commercially available from Novozymes A/S. Maltogenic alpha-amylases are described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,598,048, 4,604,355 and 6,162,628, which are hereby incorporated by reference. The maltogenic amylase may be added in an amount of 0.05-5 mg total protein/gram DS or 0.05-5 MANU/g DS.

Pullulanases

Pullulanases (E.C. 3.2.1.41, pullulan 6-glucano-hydrolase), are debranching enzymes characterized by their ability to hydrolyze the alpha-1,6-glycosidic bonds in, for example, amylopectin and pullulan.

The pullulanase according to the invention, and in addition any further pullulanase may be added, preferably a bacterial pullulanase, preferably derived from a strain of the genus Bacillus, especially derived from a strain of Bacillus deramificans, Bacillus subtilis, Bacillus amyloderamificans, or Bacillus acidopullulyticus.

The pullulanase may according to the invention be added in an effective amount which include the preferred range of from between 1-100 micro g per g DS, especially from 10-60 micro g per g DS. Pullulanase activity may be determined as NPUN. An Assay for determination of NPUN is described in the “Materials & Methods”-section below.

In a preferred embodiment, the pullulanase is used in an amount between 1-100 micro g enzyme protein per g DS, preferably between 10-60 micro g enzyme protein per g DS.

Suitable commercially available pullulanase products include PROMOZYME D, PROMOZYME™ D2 (Novozymes A/S, Denmark), OPTIMAX L-1000, OPTIMAX L-300 (DuPont Industrial Biosciences), and AMANO 8 (Amano, Japan).

The present invention is further described by the following numbered embodiments:

[Embodiment 1] A pullulanase variant comprising a substitution at one or more positions corresponding to positions 393, 143, 150, 243, 244, 346, 368, 370, 373, 381, 385, 387, 402, 429, 430, 456, 486, 492, 610, 631, 632, 665 and 699 of the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 3 wherein the variant has pullulanase activity; and

-   a) wherein the variant has at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%,     at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, or at least 99%, but less     than 100% sequence identity to the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 3 and     wherein the variant has increased thermoactivity compared to the     pullulanase of SEQ ID NO: 3, particularly the variant has at least     60% relative activity when measured at 70° C. relative to activity     at 65° C., more particularly at least 65%, more particularly at     least 70%, more particularly at least 60%, more particularly at     least 75%, more particularly at least 80%, more particularly at     least 90%, more particularly at least 100%; or -   b) wherein the variant has at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%,     at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, or at least 99%, but less     than 100% sequence identity to the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 6 and     wherein the variant has increased thermoactivity compared to the     pullulanase of SEQ ID NO: 6, particularly the variant has at least     30% relative activity when measured at 70° C. relative to activity     at 65° C., more particularly at least 40%, more particularly at     least 50%, more particularly at least 60%, more particularly at     least 70%, more particularly at least 80%, more particularly at     least 90%, more particularly at least 100%; or -   c) wherein the variant has at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%,     at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, or at least 99%, but less     than 100% sequence identity to the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 9 and     wherein the variant has increased thermoactivity compared to the     pullulanase of SEQ ID NO: 9, particularly the variant has at least     30% relative activity when measured at 70° C. relative to activity     at 65° C., more particularly at least 40%, more particularly at     least 50%, more particularly at least 60%, more particularly at     least 70%, more particularly at least 80%, more particularly at     least 90%, more particularly at least 100%; or -   d) wherein the variant has at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%,     at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, or at least 99%, but less     than 100% sequence identity to the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 16 and     wherein the variant has increased thermoactivity compared to the     pullulanase of SEQ ID NO: 16, particularly the variant has at least     30% relative activity when measured at 70° C. relative to activity     at 65° C., more particularly at least 40%, more particularly at     least 50%, more particularly at least 60%, more particularly at     least 70%, more particularly at least 80%, more particularly at     least 90%, more particularly at least 100%; or -   e) wherein the variant has at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%,     at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, or at least 99%, but less     than 100% sequence identity to the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 17 and     wherein the variant has increased thermoactivity compared to the     pullulanase of SEQ ID NO: 17, particularly the variant has at least     30% relative activity when measured at 70° C. relative to activity     at 65° C., more particularly at least 40%, more particularly at     least 50%, more particularly at least 60%, more particularly at     least 70%, more particularly at least 80%, more particularly at     least 90%, more particularly at least 100%.

[Embodiment 2] The pullulanase variant according to embodiment 1, comprising a substitution at two or more positions corresponding to positions 393, 143, 150, 243, 244, 346, 368, 370, 373, 381, 385, 387, 402, 429, 430, 456, 486, 492, 610, 624, 631, 632, 665 and 699 of the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 3 wherein the variant has pullulanase activity; and;

-   a) wherein the variant has at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%,     at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, or at least 99%, but less     than 100% sequence identity to the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 3 and     wherein the variant has increased thermoactivity compared to the     pullulanase of SEQ ID NO: 3, particularly the variant has at least     60% relative activity when measured at 70° C. relative to activity     at 65° C., more particularly at least 65%, more particularly at     least 70%, more particularly at least 60%, more particularly at     least 75%, more particularly at least 80%, more particularly at     least 90%, more particularly at least 100%; or -   b) wherein the variant has at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%,     at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, or at least 99%, but less     than 100% sequence identity to the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 6 and     wherein the variant has increased thermoactivity compared to the     pullulanase of SEQ ID NO: 6, particularly the variant has at least     30% relative activity when measured at 70° C. relative to activity     at 65° C., more particularly at least 40%, more particularly at     least 50%, more particularly at least 60%, more particularly at     least 70%, more particularly at least 80%, more particularly at     least 90%, more particularly at least 100%; or -   c) wherein the variant has at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%,     at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, or at least 99%, but less     than 100% sequence identity to the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 9 and     wherein the variant has increased thermoactivity compared to the     pullulanase of SEQ ID NO: 9, particularly the variant has at least     30% relative activity when measured at 70° C. relative to activity     at 65° C., more particularly at least 40%, more particularly at     least 50%, more particularly at least 60%, more particularly at     least 70%, more particularly at least 80%, more particularly at     least 90%, more particularly at least 100%; or -   d) wherein the variant has at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%,     at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, or at least 99%, but less     than 100% sequence identity to the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 16 and     wherein the variant has increased thermoactivity compared to the     pullulanase of SEQ ID NO: 16, particularly the variant has at least     30% relative activity when measured at 70° C. relative to activity     at 65° C., more particularly at least 40%, more particularly at     least 50%, more particularly at least 60%, more particularly at     least 70%, more particularly at least 80%, more particularly at     least 90%, more particularly at least 100%; or -   e) wherein the variant has at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%,     at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, or at least 99%, but less     than 100% sequence identity to the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 17 and     wherein the variant has increased thermoactivity compared to the     pullulanase of SEQ ID NO: 17, particularly the variant has at least     30% relative activity when measured at 70° C. relative to activity     at 65° C., more particularly at least 40%, more particularly at     least 50%, more particularly at least 60%, more particularly at     least 70%, more particularly at least 80%, more particularly at     least 90%, more particularly at least 100%.

[Embodiment 3] The pullulanase variant according to embodiment 1, comprising a substitution at three or more positions corresponding to positions 393, 143, 150, 243, 244, 346, 368, 370, 373, 381, 385, 387, 402, 429, 430, 431, 456, 486, 492, 610, 624, 631, 632, 665 and 699 of the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 3 wherein the variant has pullulanase activity; and;

-   a) wherein the variant has at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%,     at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, or at least 99%, but less     than 100% sequence identity to the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 3 and     wherein the variant has increased thermoactivity compared to the     pullulanase of SEQ ID NO: 3, particularly the variant has at least     60% relative activity when measured at 70° C. relative to activity     at 65° C., more particularly at least 65%, more particularly at     least 70%, more particularly at least 60%, more particularly at     least 75%, more particularly at least 80%, more particularly at     least 90%, more particularly at least 100%; or -   b) wherein the variant has at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%,     at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, or at least 99%, but less     than 100% sequence identity to the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 6 and     wherein the variant has increased thermoactivity compared to the     pullulanase of SEQ ID NO: 6, particularly the variant has at least     30% relative activity when measured at 70° C. relative to activity     at 65° C., more particularly at least 40%, more particularly at     least 50%, more particularly at least 60%, more particularly at     least 70%, more particularly at least 80%, more particularly at     least 90%, more particularly at least 100%; or -   c) wherein the variant has at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%,     at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, or at least 99%, but less     than 100% sequence identity to the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 9 and     wherein the variant has increased thermoactivity compared to the     pullulanase of SEQ ID NO: 9, particularly the variant has at least     30% relative activity when measured at 70° C. relative to activity     at 65° C., more particularly at least 40%, more particularly at     least 50%, more particularly at least 60%, more particularly at     least 70%, more particularly at least 80%, more particularly at     least 90%, more particularly at least 100%; or -   d) wherein the variant has at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%,     at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, or at least 99%, but less     than 100% sequence identity to the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 16 and     wherein the variant has increased thermoactivity compared to the     pullulanase of SEQ ID NO: 16, particularly the variant has at least     30% relative activity when measured at 70° C. relative to activity     at 65° C., more particularly at least 40%, more particularly at     least 50%, more particularly at least 60%, more particularly at     least 70%, more particularly at least 80%, more particularly at     least 90%, more particularly at least 100%; or -   e) wherein the variant has at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%,     at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, or at least 99%, but less     than 100% sequence identity to the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 17 and     wherein the variant has increased thermoactivity compared to the     pullulanase of SEQ ID NO: 17, particularly the variant has at least     30% relative activity when measured at 70° C. relative to activity     at 65° C., more particularly at least 40%, more particularly at     least 50%, more particularly at least 60%, more particularly at     least 70%, more particularly at least 80%, more particularly at     least 90%, more particularly at least 100%.

[Embodiment 4] The pullulanase variant according to embodiment 1, comprising a substitution at four or more positions corresponding to positions 393, 143, 150, 243, 244, 346, 368, 370, 373, 381, 385, 387, 402, 429, 430, 431, 432, 456, 486, 492, 610, 624, 631, 632, 665 and 699 of the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 3 wherein the variant has pullulanase activity; and;

-   a) wherein the variant has at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%,     at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, or at least 99%, but less     than 100% sequence identity to the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 3 and     wherein the variant has increased thermoactivity compared to the     pullulanase of SEQ ID NO: 3, particularly the variant has at least     60% relative activity when measured at 70° C. relative to activity     at 65° C., more particularly at least 65%, more particularly at     least 70%, more particularly at least 60%, more particularly at     least 75%, more particularly at least 80%, more particularly at     least 90%, more particularly at least 100%; or -   b) wherein the variant has at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%,     at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, or at least 99%, but less     than 100% sequence identity to the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 6 and     wherein the variant has increased thermoactivity compared to the     pullulanase of SEQ ID NO: 6, particularly the variant has at least     30% relative activity when measured at 70° C. relative to activity     at 65° C., more particularly at least 40%, more particularly at     least 50%, more particularly at least 60%, more particularly at     least 70%, more particularly at least 80%, more particularly at     least 90%, more particularly at least 100%; or -   c) wherein the variant has at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%,     at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, or at least 99%, but less     than 100% sequence identity to the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 9 and     wherein the variant has increased thermoactivity compared to the     pullulanase of SEQ ID NO: 9, particularly the variant has at least     30% relative activity when measured at 70° C. relative to activity     at 65° C., more particularly at least 40%, more particularly at     least 50%, more particularly at least 60%, more particularly at     least 70%, more particularly at least 80%, more particularly at     least 90%, more particularly at least 100%; or -   d) wherein the variant has at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%,     at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, or at least 99%, but less     than 100% sequence identity to the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 16 and     wherein the variant has increased thermoactivity compared to the     pullulanase of SEQ ID NO: 16, particularly the variant has at least     30% relative activity when measured at 70° C. relative to activity     at 65° C., more particularly at least 40%, more particularly at     least 50%, more particularly at least 60%, more particularly at     least 70%, more particularly at least 80%, more particularly at     least 90%, more particularly at least 100%; or -   e) wherein the variant has at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%,     at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, or at least 99%, but less     than 100% sequence identity to the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 17 and     wherein the variant has increased thermoactivity compared to the     pullulanase of SEQ ID NO: 17, particularly the variant has at least     30% relative activity when measured at 70° C. relative to activity     at 65° C., more particularly at least 40%, more particularly at     least 50%, more particularly at least 60%, more particularly at     least 70%, more particularly at least 80%, more particularly at     least 90%, more particularly at least 100%.

[Embodiment 5] The pullulanase variant according to embodiment 1, comprising a substitution at five or more positions corresponding to positions 393, 143, 150, 243, 244, 345, 346, 368, 370, 373, 381, 385, 387, 402, 429, 430, 431, 432, 456, 486, 492, 610, 624, 631, 632, 665 and 699 of the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 3 wherein the variant has pullulanase activity; and;

-   a) wherein the variant has at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%,     at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, or at least 99%, but less     than 100% sequence identity to the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 3 and     wherein the variant has increased thermoactivity compared to the     pullulanase of SEQ ID NO: 3, particularly the variant has at least     60% relative activity when measured at 70° C. relative to activity     at 65° C., more particularly at least 65%, more particularly at     least 70%, more particularly at least 60%, more particularly at     least 75%, more particularly at least 80%, more particularly at     least 90%, more particularly at least 100%; or -   b) wherein the variant has at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%,     at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, or at least 99%, but less     than 100% sequence identity to the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 6 and     wherein the variant has increased thermoactivity compared to the     pullulanase of SEQ ID NO: 6, particularly the variant has at least     30% relative activity when measured at 70° C. relative to activity     at 65° C., more particularly at least 40%, more particularly at     least 50%, more particularly at least 60%, more particularly at     least 70%, more particularly at least 80%, more particularly at     least 90%, more particularly at least 100%; or -   c) wherein the variant has at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%,     at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, or at least 99%, but less     than 100% sequence identity to the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 9 and     wherein the variant has increased thermoactivity compared to the     pullulanase of SEQ ID NO: 9, particularly the variant has at least     30% relative activity when measured at 70° C. relative to activity     at 65° C., more particularly at least 40%, more particularly at     least 50%, more particularly at least 60%, more particularly at     least 70%, more particularly at least 80%, more particularly at     least 90%, more particularly at least 100%; or -   d) wherein the variant has at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%,     at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, or at least 99%, but less     than 100% sequence identity to the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 16 and     wherein the variant has increased thermoactivity compared to the     pullulanase of SEQ ID NO: 16, particularly the variant has at least     30% relative activity when measured at 70° C. relative to activity     at 65° C., more particularly at least 40%, more particularly at     least 50%, more particularly at least 60%, more particularly at     least 70%, more particularly at least 80%, more particularly at     least 90%, more particularly at least 100%; or -   e) wherein the variant has at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%,     at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, or at least 99%, but less     than 100% sequence identity to the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 17 and     wherein the variant has increased thermoactivity compared to the     pullulanase of SEQ ID NO: 17, particularly the variant has at least     30% relative activity when measured at 70° C. relative to activity     at 65° C., more particularly at least 40%, more particularly at     least 50%, more particularly at least 60%, more particularly at     least 70%, more particularly at least 80%, more particularly at     least 90%, more particularly at least 100%.

[Embodiment 6] The pullulanase variant according to embodiment 1, comprising a substitution at six or more positions corresponding to positions 393, 143, 150, 243, 244, 345, 346, 368, 370, 373, 381, 382, 385, 387, 402, 429, 430, 431, 432, 456, 486, 492, 610, 624, 631, 632, 665 and 699 of the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 3 wherein the variant has pullulanase activity; and;

-   a) wherein the variant has at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%,     at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, or at least 99%, but less     than 100% sequence identity to the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 3 and     wherein the variant has increased thermoactivity compared to the     pullulanase of SEQ ID NO: 3, particularly the variant has at least     60% relative activity when measured at 70° C. relative to activity     at 65° C., more particularly at least 65%, more particularly at     least 70%, more particularly at least 60%, more particularly at     least 75%, more particularly at least 80%, more particularly at     least 90%, more particularly at least 100%; or -   b) wherein the variant has at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%,     at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, or at least 99%, but less     than 100% sequence identity to the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 6 and     wherein the variant has increased thermoactivity compared to the     pullulanase of SEQ ID NO: 6, particularly the variant has at least     30% relative activity when measured at 70° C. relative to activity     at 65° C., more particularly at least 40%, more particularly at     least 50%, more particularly at least 60%, more particularly at     least 70%, more particularly at least 80%, more particularly at     least 90%, more particularly at least 100%; or -   c) wherein the variant has at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%,     at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, or at least 99%, but less     than 100% sequence identity to the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 9 and     wherein the variant has increased thermoactivity compared to the     pullulanase of SEQ ID NO: 9, particularly the variant has at least     30% relative activity when measured at 70° C. relative to activity     at 65° C., more particularly at least 40%, more particularly at     least 50%, more particularly at least 60%, more particularly at     least 70%, more particularly at least 80%, more particularly at     least 90%, more particularly at least 100%; or -   d) wherein the variant has at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%,     at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, or at least 99%, but less     than 100% sequence identity to the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 16 and     wherein the variant has increased thermoactivity compared to the     pullulanase of SEQ ID NO: 16, particularly the variant has at least     30% relative activity when measured at 70° C. relative to activity     at 65° C., more particularly at least 40%, more particularly at     least 50%, more particularly at least 60%, more particularly at     least 70%, more particularly at least 80%, more particularly at     least 90%, more particularly at least 100%; or -   e) wherein the variant has at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%,     at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, or at least 99%, but less     than 100% sequence identity to the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 17 and     wherein the variant has increased thermoactivity compared to the     pullulanase of SEQ ID NO: 17, particularly the variant has at least     30% relative activity when measured at 70° C. relative to activity     at 65° C., more particularly at least 40%, more particularly at     least 50%, more particularly at least 60%, more particularly at     least 70%, more particularly at least 80%, more particularly at     least 90%, more particularly at least 100%.

[Embodiment 7] The pullulanase variant according to any of the preceding embodiments, comprising a substitution at one position corresponding to positions 393, 143, 150, 243, 244, 345, 346, 368, 486, 492, 610, 624, or 699 of the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 3 wherein the variant has pullulanase activity.

[Embodiment 8] The variant of any of embodiments 1-7, wherein the number of substitutions is 1-20, e.g., 1-10 and 1-5, such as 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 or 10 substitutions.

[Embodiment 9] The variant of any of embodiments 1-8, which comprises a substitution at a position corresponding to position 393.

[Embodiment 10] The variant of embodiment 09, wherein the substitution is with Alanine.

[Embodiment 11] The variant of any of embodiments 1-8, which comprises a substitution at a position corresponding to position 143.

[Embodiment 12] The variant of embodiment 11, wherein the substitution is with Valine.

[Embodiment 13] The variant of any of embodiments 1-8, which comprises a substitution at a position corresponding to position 150.

[Embodiment 14] The variant of embodiment 13, wherein the substitution is with Arginine.

[Embodiment 15] The variant of any of embodiments 1-8, which comprises a substitution at a position corresponding to position 243.

[Embodiment 16] The variant of embodiment 15, wherein the substitution is with Glutamic Acid.

[Embodiment 17] The variant of any of embodiments 1-8, which comprises a substitution at a position corresponding to position 244.

[Embodiment 18] The variant of embodiment 17, wherein the substitution is with Lysine.

[Embodiment 19] The variant of any of embodiments 1-8, which comprises a substitution at a position corresponding to position 345.

[Embodiment 20] The variant of embodiment 19, wherein the substitution is with Proline.

[Embodiment 21] The variant of any of embodiments 1-8, which comprises a substitution at a position corresponding to position 346.

[Embodiment 22] The variant of embodiment 21, wherein the substitution is with Serine.

[Embodiment 23] The variant of any of embodiments 1-8, which comprises a substitution at a position corresponding to position 368.

[Embodiment 24] The variant of embodiment 23, wherein the substitution is with Glutamic Acid.

[Embodiment 25] The variant of any of embodiments 1-8, which comprises a substitution at a position corresponding to position 370.

[Embodiment 26] The variant of embodiment 25, wherein the substitution is with Serine.

[Embodiment 27] The variant of any of embodiments 1-8, which comprises a substitution at a position corresponding to position 373.

[Embodiment 28] The variant of embodiment 27, wherein the substitution is with Leucine.

[Embodiment 29] The variant of any of embodiments 1-8, which comprises a substitution at a position corresponding to position 381.

[Embodiment 30] The variant of embodiment 29, wherein the substitution is with Valine.

[Embodiment 31] The variant of any of embodiments 1-8, which comprises a substitution at a position corresponding to position 382.

[Embodiment 32] The variant of embodiment 31, wherein the substitution is with Threonine.

[Embodiment 33] The variant of any of embodiments 1-8, which comprises a substitution at a position corresponding to position 385.

[Embodiment 34] The variant of embodiment 33, wherein the substitution is with Glutamic Acid.

[Embodiment 35] The variant of any of embodiments 1-8, which comprises a substitution at a position corresponding to position 402.

[Embodiment 36] The variant of embodiment 35, wherein the substitution is with Threonine.

[Embodiment 37] The variant of any of embodiments 1-8, which comprises a substitution at a position corresponding to position 429.

[Embodiment 38] The variant of embodiment 37, wherein the substitution is with Valine.

[Embodiment 39] The variant of any of embodiments 1-8, which comprises a substitution at a position corresponding to position 430.

[Embodiment 40] The variant of embodiment 39, wherein the substitution is with Arginine.

[Embodiment 41] The variant of any of embodiments 1-8, which comprises a substitution at a position corresponding to position 431.

[Embodiment 42] The variant of embodiment 41, wherein the substitution is with Glutamic Acid.

[Embodiment 43] The variant of any of embodiments 1-8, which comprises a substitution at a position corresponding to position 432.

[Embodiment 44] The variant of embodiment 43, wherein the substitution is with Phenylalanine.

[Embodiment 45] The variant of any of embodiments 1-8, which comprises a substitution at a position corresponding to position 456.

[Embodiment 46] The variant of embodiment 45, wherein the substitution is with Alanine.

[Embodiment 47] The variant of any of embodiments 1-8, which comprises a substitution at a position corresponding to position 486.

[Embodiment 48] The variant of embodiment 47, wherein the substitution is with Cysteine.

[Embodiment 49] The variant of any of embodiments 1-8, which comprises a substitution at a position corresponding to position 492.

[Embodiment 50] The variant of embodiment 49, wherein the substitution is with Serine or Alanine.

[Embodiment 51] The variant of any of embodiments 1-8, which comprises a substitution at a position corresponding to position 610.

[Embodiment 52] The variant of embodiment 51 wherein the substitution is with Leucine or Arginine.

[Embodiment 53] The variant of any of embodiments 1-8, which comprises a substitution at a position corresponding to position 624.

[Embodiment 54] The variant of embodiment 53, wherein the substitution is with Serine.

[Embodiment 55] The variant of any of embodiments 1-8, which comprises a substitution at a position corresponding to position 631.

[Embodiment 56] The variant of embodiment 55 wherein the substitution is with Serine.

[Embodiment 57] The variant of any of embodiments 1-8, which comprises a substitution at a position corresponding to position 632.

[Embodiment 58] The variant of embodiment 57 wherein the substitution is with Cysteine.

[Embodiment 59] The variant of any of embodiments 1-8, which comprises a substitution at a position corresponding to position 665.

[Embodiment 60] The variant of embodiment 59 wherein the substitution is with Isoleucine.

[Embodiment 61] The variant of any of embodiments 1-8, which comprises a substitution at a position corresponding to position 699.

[Embodiment 62] The variant of embodiment 61 wherein the substitution is with Arginine.

[Embodiment 63] The variant according to embodiment 1-62, wherein the variant comprises or consists of one or more substitutions selected from the group consisting of 393A, 143G, 150R, 243E, 244K, 345P, 346S, 368G, 370S, 373L, 381V, 382T, 385F, 387L, 402T, 429V, 430R, 431E, 432F, 456A, 486C, 492S, 610R,L, 624S, 631S, 632C, 665I and 699R.

The variant of any of the preceding embodiments, wherein the variant comprises at least one of the following substitutions or combinations of substitutions:

-   N368G; -   E699R; -   E150R; -   N346S; -   N243E; -   S244K; -   V143G; -   N393A; -   N610R; -   N610L; -   G624S; -   F456A; -   T492S; -   V486C+T492S; -   N368G+M402T; -   T631S+S632C; -   V486C+T492S+T631S+S632C; -   N393A+T631S+S632C; -   T631S+S632C+E699R; -   N393A+V486C+T492S+T631S+S632C; -   N393A+G624S+S632C; -   N393A+N610R+T631S+S632C; -   N393A+G624S+T631S+S632C; -   N393A+N610R+G624S+T631S+S632C; -   N393A+V486C+T492S+G624S+T631S+S632C; -   N393A+V486C+T492S+N610R+G624S+T631S+S632C; -   N368G+N393A+V486C+T492S+N610R+G624S+T631S+S632C; -   N393A+V486C+T492S+N610R+G624S+T631S+S632C+E699R; -   N346S+N393A+V486C+T492S+N610R+G624S+T631S+S632C; -   N393A+F456A+V486C+T492S+N610R+G624S+T631S+S632C; -   N393A+T492S+N610R+G624S+T631S+S632C; -   N368G+N393A+T492S+N610R+G624S+T631S+S632C; -   A345P+N393A+V486C+T492S+N610R+G624S+T631S+S632C; -   N368G+K370S+I373L+N393A+V486C+T492S+N610R+G624S+T631S+S632C; -   I381V+Q385E+Q387L+N393A+V486C+T492S+N610R+G624S+T631S+S632C; -   I381V+N382T+Q385E+Q387L+N393A+V486C+T492S+N610R+G624S+T631S+S632C; -   A345P+N368G+N393A+T492S+N610R+G624S+T631S+S632C; -   N368G+I381V+Q385E+Q387L+N393A+T492S+N610R+G624S+T631S+S632C; -   A345P+N368G+I381V+Q385E+Q387L+N393A+T492S+N610R+G624S+T631S+S632C; -   A345P+N368G+I381V+Q385E+Q387L+N393A+T492S+N610R+G624S+T631S+S632C+V665I; -   N393A+T430R+Q431E+L432F+V486C+T492S+N610R+G624S+T631S+S632C; -   N393A+Q431E+L432F+V486C+T492S+N610R+G624S+T631S+S632C; -   N393A+I429V+Q431E+V486C+T492S+N610R+G624S+T631S+S632C; -   N393A+I429V+T430R+Q431E+L432F+V486C+T492S+N610R+G624S+T631S+S632C; -   N368G+N393A+A492S,A; -   N368G+N393A; -   N393A+N610R; -   N368G+N393A+N610R; -   N368G+N393A+T492S,A+N610R+G624S; -   N368G+N393A+T492S,A+N610R+G624S+T631S+S632C+Q431E+L432F; -   N368G+N393A+N610R+G624S+T631S+S632C; -   N368G+N393A+T492S,A+N610R+G624S+T631S+S632C; -   N368G+N393A+N610R+G624S+T631S+S632C+Q431E+L432F.

[Embodiment 64] A variant catalytic domain, wherein the variant catalytic domain comprises a substitution at one or more positions corresponding to positions 393, 346, 368, 370, 373, 381, 385, 387, 402, 429, 430, 456, 486, 492, 610, 631, 632, 665 and 699 of the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 3; and;

-   a) wherein the variant catalytic domain has at least 85%, at least     90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, or at     least 99%, but less than 100% sequence identity to the polypeptide     of SEQ ID NO: 3; or -   b) wherein the variant catalytic domain has at least 85%, at least     90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, or at     least 99%, but less than 100% sequence identity to the polypeptide     of SEQ ID NO: 6; or -   c) wherein the variant catalytic domain has at least 85%, at least     90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, or at     least 99%, but less than 100% sequence identity to the polypeptide     of SEQ ID NO: 9; or -   d) wherein the variant catalytic domain has at least 85%, at least     90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, or at     least 99%, but less than 100% sequence identity to amino acids 430     to 928 of SEQ ID NO: 16; or -   e) wherein the variant catalytic domain has at least 85%, at least     90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, or at     least 99%, but less than 100% sequence identity to amino acids 430     to 928 of SEQ ID NO: 17.

[Embodiment 65] The variant catalytic domain according to embodiment 64 comprising a substitution at two or more positions corresponding to positions 393, 346, 368, 370, 373, 381, 385, 387, 402, 429, 430, 456, 486, 492, 610, 624, 631, 632, 665 and 699 of the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 3 wherein the variant catalytic domain has pullulanase activity, and;

-   a) wherein the variant catalytic domain has at least 85%, at least     90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, or at     least 99%, but less than 100% sequence identity to the polypeptide     of SEQ ID NO: 3; or -   b) wherein the variant catalytic domain has at least 85%, at least     90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, or at     least 99%, but less than 100% sequence identity to the polypeptide     of SEQ ID NO: 6; or -   c) wherein the variant catalytic domain has at least 85%, at least     90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, or at     least 99%, but less than 100% sequence identity to the polypeptide     of SEQ ID NO: 9; or -   d) wherein the variant catalytic domain has at least 85%, at least     90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, or at     least 99%, but less than 100% sequence identity to amino acids 430     to 928 of SEQ ID NO: 16; or -   e) wherein the variant catalytic domain has at least 85%, at least     90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, or at     least 99%, but less than 100% sequence identity to amino acids 430     to 928 of SEQ ID NO: 17.

[Embodiment 66] The variant catalytic domain according to embodiment 64 comprising a substitution at three or more positions corresponding to positions 393, 346, 368, 370, 373, 381, 385, 387, 402, 429, 430, 431, 456, 486, 492, 610, 624, 631, 632, 665 and 699 of the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 3 wherein the variant catalytic domain has pullulanase activity, and;

-   a) wherein the variant catalytic domain has at least 85%, at least     90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, or at     least 99%, but less than 100% sequence identity to the polypeptide     of SEQ ID NO: 3; or -   b) wherein the variant catalytic domain has at least 85%, at least     90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, or at     least 99%, but less than 100% sequence identity to the polypeptide     of SEQ ID NO: 6; or -   c) wherein the variant catalytic domain has at least 85%, at least     90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, or at     least 99%, but less than 100% sequence identity to the polypeptide     of SEQ ID NO: 9; or -   d) wherein the variant catalytic domain has at least 85%, at least     90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, or at     least 99%, but less than 100% sequence identity to amino acids 430     to 928 of SEQ ID NO: 16; or -   e) wherein the variant catalytic domain has at least 85%, at least     90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, or at     least 99%, but less than 100% sequence identity to amino acids 430     to 928 of SEQ ID NO: 17.

[Embodiment 67] The variant catalytic domain according to embodiment 64 comprising a substitution at four or more positions corresponding to positions 393, 346, 368, 370, 373, 381, 385, 387, 402, 429, 430, 431, 432, 456, 486, 492, 610, 624, 631, 632, 665 and 699 of the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 3 wherein the variant catalytic domain has pullulanase activity, and;

-   a) wherein the variant catalytic domain has at least 85%, at least     90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, or at     least 99%, but less than 100% sequence identity to the polypeptide     of SEQ ID NO: 3; or -   b) wherein the variant catalytic domain has at least 85%, at least     90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, or at     least 99%, but less than 100% sequence identity to the polypeptide     of SEQ ID NO: 6; or -   c) wherein the variant catalytic domain has at least 85%, at least     90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, or at     least 99%, but less than 100% sequence identity to the polypeptide     of SEQ ID NO: 9, or -   d) wherein the variant catalytic domain has at least 85%, at least     90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, or at     least 99%, but less than 100% sequence identity to amino acids 430     to 928 of SEQ ID NO: 16; or -   e) wherein the variant catalytic domain has at least 85%, at least     90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, or at     least 99%, but less than 100% sequence identity to amino acids 430     to 928 of SEQ ID NO: 17.

[Embodiment 68] The variant catalytic domain according to embodiment 64 comprising a substitution at five or more positions corresponding to positions 393, 345, 346, 368, 370, 373, 381, 385, 387, 402, 429, 430, 431, 432, 456, 486, 492, 610, 624, 631, 632, 665 and 699 of the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 3 wherein the variant catalytic domain has pullulanase activity; and;

-   a) wherein the variant catalytic domain has at least 85%, at least     90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, or at     least 99%, but less than 100% sequence identity to the polypeptide     of SEQ ID NO: 3; or -   b) wherein the variant catalytic domain has at least 85%, at least     90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, or at     least 99%, but less than 100% sequence identity to the polypeptide     of SEQ ID NO: 6; or -   c) wherein the variant catalytic domain has at least 85%, at least     90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, or at     least 99%, but less than 100% sequence identity to the polypeptide     of SEQ ID NO: 9; or -   d) wherein the variant catalytic domain has at least 85%, at least     90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, or at     least 99%, but less than 100% sequence identity to amino acids 430     to 928 of SEQ ID NO: 16; or -   e) wherein the variant catalytic domain has at least 85%, at least     90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, or at     least 99%, but less than 100% sequence identity to amino acids 430     to 928 of SEQ ID NO: 17.

[Embodiment 69] The variant catalytic domain according to embodiment 64 comprising a substitution at six or more positions corresponding to positions 393, 345, 346, 368, 370, 373, 381, 382, 385, 387, 402, 429, 430, 431, 432, 456, 486, 492, 610, 624, 631, 632, 665 and 699 of the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 3 wherein the variant catalytic domain has pullulanase activity; and;

-   a) wherein the variant catalytic domain has at least 85%, at least     90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, or at     least 99%, but less than 100% sequence identity to the polypeptide     of SEQ ID NO: 3; or -   b) wherein the variant catalytic domain has at least 85%, at least     90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, or at     least 99%, but less than 100% sequence identity to the polypeptide     of SEQ ID NO: 6; or -   c) wherein the variant catalytic domain has at least 85%, at least     90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, or at     least 99%, but less than 100% sequence identity to the polypeptide     of SEQ ID NO: 9; or -   d) wherein the variant catalytic domain has at least 85%, at least     90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, or at     least 99%, but less than 100% sequence identity to amino acids 430     to 928 of SEQ ID NO: 16; or -   e) wherein the variant catalytic domain has at least 85%, at least     90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, or at     least 99%, but less than 100% sequence identity to amino acids 430     to 928 of SEQ ID NO: 17.

[Embodiment 70] A pullulanase variant comprising the variant catalytic domain according to any of embodiments 64 to 69, wherein the pullulanase variant has pullulanase activity and increased thermoactivity compared to the parent pullulanase, and the variant has at least 60% relative activity when measured at 70° C. relative to activity at 65° C., more particularly at least 65%, more particularly at least 70%, more particularly at least 60%, more particularly at least 75%, more particularly at least 80%, more particularly at least 90%, more particularly at least 100%.

[Embodiment 71] The pullulanase variant according to embodiment 70, wherein the variant comprises or consists of one or more substitutions selected from the group consisting of 393A, 143G, 150R, 243E, 244K, 345P, 346S, 368G, 370S, 373L, 381V, 382T, 385F, 387L, 402T, 429V, 430R, 431E, 432F, 456A, 486C, 492S, 610R,L, 624S, 631S, 632C, 665I and 699R.

[Embodiment 72] The pullulanase variant according to any of embodiments 64-71, further comprising an N-terminal part comprising at least one of the domains selected from a CBM41 domain, an X45 domain and a CBM48 domain.

[Embodiment 73] The pullulanase variant according to embodiment 72, comprising an N-terminal part comprising a CBM41 domain, an X45 domain and a CBM48 domain.

[Embodiment 74] The pullulanase variant according to embodiment 72-73, further comprising a X25 domain.

[Embodiment 75] The pullulanase variant according to any of embodiments 64-74, wherein the variant comprises one or more substitutions selected from the group consisting of 393A, 368G, 486C, 492S,A, 610R,L, 624S, 631S, 632C, 431E, 432F.

[Embodiment 76] The pullulanase variant according to embodiment 75, wherein the variant comprises at least one of the following substitutions or combinations of substitutions:

-   368G+393A+492S,A; -   368G+393A+492A,S+610R+624S; -   393A+492S,A+610R+624S+631S+632C; -   368G+393A+492S,A+610R+624S+631S+632C; -   368G+393A+492S,A+610R+624S+631S+632C+431E+432F; -   368G+393A+610R+624S+631S+632C; or -   368G+393A+610R+624S+631S+632C+431E+432F.

[Embodiment 77] The pullulanase variant according to any of embodiments 1-76, selected from SEQ ID NO: 20 or a pullulanase having at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, or at least 99%, or 100% sequence identity to the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 20; SEQ ID NO: 21 or a pullulanase having at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, or at least 99%, or 100% sequence identity to the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 21; SEQ ID NO: 22 or a pullulanase having at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, or at least 99%, or 100% sequence identity to the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 22; SEQ ID NO: 23 or a pullulanase having at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, or at least 99%, or 100% sequence identity to the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 23; SEQ ID NO: 24 or a pullulanase having at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, or at least 99%, or 100% sequence identity to the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 24; SEQ ID NO: 25 or a pullulanase having at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, or at least 99%, or 100% sequence identity to the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 25; SEQ ID NO: 26 or a pullulanase having at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, or at least 99%, or 100% sequence identity to the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 26; SEQ ID NO: 27 or a pullulanase having at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, or at least 99%, or 100% sequence identity to the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 27; SEQ ID NO: 28 or a pullulanase having at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, or at least 99%, or 100% sequence identity to the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 28.

[Embodiment 78] The variants according to embodiments 1-77, which have an improved property relative to the parent, wherein the improved property is increased thermoactivity.

[Embodiment 79] The variant according to embodiments 1-78, wherein the variant has increased specific activity toward starch or maltodextrin compared to any of SEQ ID NO: 3, SEQ ID NO:6, SEQ ID NO:9, SEQ ID NO:16, or SEQ ID NO:17.

[Embodiment 80] The variants according to embodiment 79, wherein the variant is selected from SEQ ID NO: 20 or a pullulanase having at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, or at least 99%, or 100% sequence identity to the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 20; SEQ ID NO: 21 or a pullulanase having at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, or at least 99%, or 100% sequence identity to the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 21; SEQ ID NO: 22 or a pullulanase having at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, or at least 99%, or 100% sequence identity to the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 22. SEQ ID NO: 23 or a pullulanase having at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, or at least 99%, or 100% sequence identity to the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 23; SEQ ID NO: 25 or a pullulanase having at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, or at least 99%, or 100% sequence identity to the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 25; SEQ ID NO: 26 or a pullulanase having at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, or at least 99%, or 100% sequence identity to the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 26; SEQ ID NO: 27 or a pullulanase having at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, or at least 99%, or 100% sequence identity to the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 27. SEQ ID NO: 28 or a pullulanase having at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, or at least 99%, or 100% sequence identity to the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 28.

[Embodiment 81] The variants according to any of the preceding embodiments, wherein the variants further comprises one of the following substitutions or combinations of substitutions (using SEQ ID NO: 6 for numbering):

-   Q258A; -   Q287R; -   Q352A; -   Q356R; -   Q258A+Q352A+Q356R; -   Q258A+Q287R+Q352A+Q356R; -   V212I; -   H186A; -   V212I+Q258A+Q287R+Q352A+Q356R; -   H186A+V212I+Q258A+Q287R+Q352A+Q356R; -   Y27K+H79Y+V212I+Q258A+Q287R+Q352A+Q356R; -   Q258A+Q287R+N322P+Q352A+Q356R; -   H186A+V212I+Q258A+Q287R+N322P+Q352A+Q356R; -   H186A+V212I+Q258A+Q287R+Q352A+Q356R; -   H186A+V212I+Q258A+Q287R+N322P+Q352A+Q356R; -   Y27K+H79Y+H186A+V212I+Q258A+Q287R+Q352A+Q356R; -   Y27K+H79Y+H186A+V212I+Q258A+Q287R+N322P+Q352A+Q356R; -   Y27K+H79Y+H186A+V212I+Q258A+Q287R+N322P+Q352A+Q356R+D686S; -   N19G+Y27K+H79Y+H186A+V212I+Q258A+Q287R+N322P+Q352A+Q356R+D686S; -   N19G+Y27K+H79Y+H186A+V212I+Q258A+Q287R+G296R+N322P+Q352A+Q356R+D686S; -   Y27K+H79Y+H186A+V212I+Q258A+Q287R+N322P+Q352A+Q356R+V586A+D686S; -   Y27K+H79Y+H186A+V212I+Q258A+Q287R+N322P+Q352A+Q356R+D686S+E799R; -   N19G+Y27K+H79Y+H186A+V212I+Q258A+Q287R+N322P+Q352A+Q356R+V586A+D686S; -   N19G+Y27K+H79Y+H186A+V212I+Q258A+Q287R+N322P+Q352A+Q356R+D686S+E799R; -   N19G+Y27K+H79Y+H186A+V212I+Q258A+Q287R+N322P+Q352A+Q356R+Q485E+D686S+E799R; -   N19G+Y27K+H79Y+H186A+V212I+Q258A+Q287R+N322P+Q352A+Q356R+Q487L+D686S+E799R; -   N19G+Y27K+H79Y+H186A+V212I+Q258A+Q287R+N322P+Q352A+Q356R+V586A+D686S+E799R; -   N19G+Y27K+H79Y+H186A+V212I+Q258A+Q287R+G296R+N322P+Q352A+Q356R+V586A+D686S+E799R; -   N19G+Y27K+H79Y+H186A+V212I+Q258A+Q287R+G296R+N322P+Q352A+Q356R+Q487L+V586A+D686S+E799R; -   N19G+Y27K+H79Y+H186A+V212I+Q258A+Q287R+N322P+Q352A+Q356R+Q487L+D686S+0732S+E799R; -   N19G+Y27K+H79Y+H186A+V212I+Q258A+Q287R+N322P+Q352A+Q356R+Q487L+D686S+0732S+E799R; -   N19G+Y27K+H79Y+H186A+V212I+Q258A+Q287R+N322P+Q352A+Q356R+Q487L+S557A+L559G+D686S+E799R; -   N19G+Y27K+H79Y+H186A+V212I+Q258A+Q287R+N322P+Q352A+Q356R+H421E+Q487L+S557A+L559G+V586A+D686S+E799R.

[Embodiment 82] The variants according to embodiment 81, wherein the variants are selected from a pullulanase having at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, or at least 99% sequence identity to the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 26, and comprising the substitutions (using SEQ ID NO: 6 for numbering): N468G+N493A+N710R+G724S+T731S+S732C+Q531E+L532F, and wherein the variants further comprises one of the following substitutions or combinations of substitutions:

-   Q258A; -   Q287R; -   Q352A; -   Q356R; -   Q258A+Q352A+Q356R; -   Q258A+Q287R+Q352A+Q356R; -   V212I; -   H186A; -   V212I+Q258A+Q287R+Q352A+Q356R; -   H186A+V212I+Q258A+Q287R+Q352A+Q356R; -   Y27K+H79Y+V212I+Q258A+Q287R+Q352A+Q356R; -   Q258A+Q287R+N322P+Q352A+Q356R; -   H186A+V212I+Q258A+Q287R+N322P+Q352A+Q356R; -   H186A+V212I+Q258A+Q287R+Q352A+Q356R; -   H186A+V212I+Q258A+Q287R+N322P+Q352A+Q356R; -   Y27K+H79Y+H186A+V212I+Q258A+Q287R+Q352A+Q356R; -   Y27K+H79Y+H186A+V212I+Q258A+Q287R+N322P+Q352A+Q356R; -   Y27K+H79Y+H186A+V212I+Q258A+Q287R+N322P+Q352A+Q356R+D686S; -   N19G+Y27K+H79Y+H186A+V212I+Q258A+Q287R+N322P+Q352A+Q356R+D686S; -   N19G+Y27K+H79Y+H186A+V212I+Q258A+Q287R+G296R+N322P+Q352A+Q356R+D686S; -   Y27K+H79Y+H186A+V212I+Q258A+Q287R+N322P+Q352A+Q356R+V586A+D686S; -   Y27K+H79Y+H186A+V212I+Q258A+Q287R+N322P+Q352A+Q356R+D686S+E799R; -   N19G+Y27K+H79Y+H186A+V212I+Q258A+Q287R+N322P+Q352A+Q356R+V586A+D686S; -   N19G+Y27K+H79Y+H186A+V212I+Q258A+Q287R+N322P+Q352A+Q356R+D686S+E799R; -   N19G+Y27K+H79Y+H186A+V212I+Q258A+Q287R+N322P+Q352A+Q356R+Q485E+D686S+E799R; -   N19G+Y27K+H79Y+H186A+V212I+Q258A+Q287R+N322P+Q352A+Q356R+Q487L+D686S+E799R; -   N19G+Y27K+H79Y+H186A+V212I+Q258A+Q287R+N322P+Q352A+Q356R+V586A+D686S+E799R; -   N19G+Y27K+H79Y+H186A+V212I+Q258A+Q287R+G296R+N322P+Q352A+Q356R+V586A+D686S+E799R; -   N19G+Y27K+H79Y+H186A+V212I+Q258A+Q287R+G296R+N322P+Q352A+Q356R+Q487L+V586A+D686S+E799R; -   N19G+Y27K+H79Y+H186A+V212I+Q258A+Q287R+N322P+Q352A+Q356R+Q487L+D686S+0732S+E799R; -   N19G+Y27K+H79Y+H186A+V212I+Q258A+Q287R+N322P+Q352A+Q356R+Q487L+D686S+0732S+E799R; -   N19G+Y27K+H79Y+H186A+V212I+Q258A+Q287R+N322P+Q352A+Q356R+Q487L+S557A+L559G+D686S+E799R; -   N19G+Y27K+H79Y+H186A+V212I+Q258A+Q287R+N322P+Q352A+Q356R+H421E+Q487L+S557A+L559G+V586A+D686S+E799R;     said variants having at least 60% relative activity when measured at     72° C. relative to activity at 65° C. using the PHADEBAS assay.

[Embodiment 83] The variants according to embodiment 82, wherein the variants further comprises one of the following combinations of substitutions:

-   N19G+Y27K+H79Y+H186A+V212I+Q258A+Q287R+N322P+Q352A+Q356R+Q487L+D686S+E799R.

[Embodiment 84] The variants according to embodiment 81, wherein the variants are selected from a pullulanase having at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, or at least 99% sequence identity to the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 27, and comprising the substitutions (using SEQ ID NO: 6 for numbering) N468G+N493A+T492S,A+N710R+G724S+T731S+S732C+Q531E+L532F, and wherein the variants further comprises one of the following substitutions or combinations of substitutions:

-   Q258A; -   Q287R; -   Q352A; -   Q356R; -   Q258A+Q352A+Q356R; -   Q258A+Q287R+Q352A+Q356R; -   V212I; -   H186A; -   V212I+Q258A+Q287R+Q352A+Q356R; -   H186A+V212I+Q258A+Q287R+Q352A+Q356R; -   Y27K+H79Y+V212I+Q258A+Q287R+Q352A+Q356R; -   Q258A+Q287R+N322P+Q352A+Q356R; -   H186A+V212I+Q258A+Q287R+N322P+Q352A+Q356R; -   H186A+V212I+Q258A+Q287R+Q352A+Q356R; -   H186A+V212I+Q258A+Q287R+N322P+Q352A+Q356R; -   Y27K+H79Y+H186A+V212I+Q258A+Q287R+Q352A+Q356R; -   Y27K+H79Y+H186A+V212I+Q258A+Q287R+N322P+Q352A+Q356R; -   Y27K+H79Y+H186A+V212I+Q258A+Q287R+N322P+Q352A+Q356R+D686S; -   N19G+Y27K+H79Y+H186A+V212I+Q258A+Q287R+N322P+Q352A+Q356R+D686S; -   N19G+Y27K+H79Y+H186A+V212I+Q258A+Q287R+G296R+N322P+Q352A+Q356R+D686S; -   Y27K+H79Y+H186A+V212I+Q258A+Q287R+N322P+Q352A+Q356R+V586A+D686S; -   Y27K+H79Y+H186A+V212I+Q258A+Q287R+N322P+Q352A+Q356R+D686S+E799R; -   N19G+Y27K+H79Y+H186A+V212I+Q258A+Q287R+N322P+Q352A+Q356R+V586A+D686S; -   N19G+Y27K+H79Y+H186A+V212I+Q258A+Q287R+N322P+Q352A+Q356R+D686S+E799R; -   N19G+Y27K+H79Y+H186A+V212I+Q258A+Q287R+N322P+Q352A+Q356R+Q485E+D686S+E799R; -   N19G+Y27K+H79Y+H186A+V212I+Q258A+Q287R+N322P+Q352A+Q356R+Q487L+D686S+E799R; -   N19G+Y27K+H79Y+H186A+V212I+Q258A+Q287R+N322P+Q352A+Q356R+V586A+D686S+E799R; -   N19G+Y27K+H79Y+H186A+V212I+Q258A+Q287R+G296R+N322P+Q352A+Q356R+V586A+D686S+E799R; -   N19G+Y27K+H79Y+H186A+V212I+Q258A+Q287R+G296R+N322P+Q352A+Q356R+Q487L+V586A+D686S+E799R; -   N19G+Y27K+H79Y+H186A+V212I+Q258A+Q287R+N322P+Q352A+Q356R+Q487L+D686S+0732S+E799R; -   N19G+Y27K+H79Y+H186A+V212I+Q258A+Q287R+N322P+Q352A+Q356R+Q487L+D686S+0732S+E799R; -   N19G+Y27K+H79Y+H186A+V212I+Q258A+Q287R+N322P+Q352A+Q356R+Q487L+S557A+L559G+D686S+E799R; -   N19G+Y27K+H79Y+H186A+V212I+Q258A+Q287R+N322P+Q352A+Q356R+H421E+Q487L+S557A+L559G+V586A+D686S+E799R;     said variants having at least 60% relative activity when measured at     72° C. relative to activity at 65° C. using the PHADEBAS assay.

[Embodiment 85] The variants according to embodiment 84, wherein the variants further comprise one of the following combinations of substitutions:

-   N19G+Y27K+H79Y+H186A+V212I+Q258A+Q287R+N322P+Q352A+Q356R+Q487L+D686S+E799R.

[Embodiment 86] The pullulanase variants according to any of the embodiments 1-80, wherein the variants further comprises one of the following substitutions or combinations of substitutions:

-   Y27K+H79Y+Q187R+S798R; -   Y27K+H79Y+Q187R+D586S+S798R; -   Y27K+H79Y+Q187R+D586S+E699R+S798R; -   Y27K+H79Y+Q187R+T486S+D586S+S798R; -   N19G+Y27K+H79Y+Q187R+T486C+D586S+E699R+S798R; -   N19G+Y27K+H79Y+Q187R+Q385E+T486C+D586S+E699R+S798R; -   N19G+Y27K+H79Y+Q187R+Q387L+T486C+D586S+E699R+S798R; -   N19G+Y27K+H79Y+Q187R+Q387L+Q459G+T486C+D586S+C632S+E699R+S798R; -   N19G+Y27K+H79Y+Q187R+Q387L+T486C+D586S+C632S+Q675L+E699R+S798R; -   N19G+Y27K+H79Y+Q187R+V196R+Q387L+T486C+D586S+C632S+E699R+S798R; -   N19G+Y27K+H79Y+Q187R+V196R+Q387L+T486C+D586S+C632S+Q675L+E699R+S798R; -   N19G+Y27K+H79Y+Q187R+V196R+Q387L+Q459G+T486C+D586S+C632S+Q675L+E699R+S798R; -   N19G+Y27K+H79Y+Q187R+Q387L+D586S+E699R+S798R; -   N19G+Y27K+H79Y+Q187R+H321E+Q387L+D586S+E699R+S798R; -   N19G+Y27K+H79Y+Q187R+Q387L+Q459G+D586S+E699R+S798R; -   N19G+Y27K+H79Y+Q187R+Q387L+D586S+C632S+E699R+S798R; -   N19G+Y27K+H79Y+Q187R+E310A+D311K+Q387L+D586S+E699R+S798R; -   N19G+Y27K+H79Y+Q187R+E310A+D311K+Q387L+Q459G+D586S+E699R+S798R.

[Embodiment 87] The variants according to embodiment 86, wherein the variants are selected from a pullulanase having at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, or at least 99% sequence identity to the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 28, and comprising the substitutions N368G+N393A+T492S,A+N610R+G624S+T631S+S632C+Q431E+L432F, and wherein the variants further comprises one of the following substitutions or combinations of substitutions:

-   Y27K+H79Y+Q187R+S798R; -   Y27K+H79Y+Q187R+D586S+S798R; -   Y27K+H79Y+Q187R+D586S+E699R+S798R; -   Y27K+H79Y+Q187R+T486S+D586S+S798R; -   N19G+Y27K+H79Y+Q187R+T486C+D586S+E699R+S798R; -   N19G+Y27K+H79Y+Q187R+Q385E+T486C+D586S+E699R+S798R; -   N19G+Y27K+H79Y+Q187R+Q387L+T486C+D586S+E699R+S798R; -   N19G+Y27K+H79Y+Q187R+Q387L+Q459G+T486C+D586S+C632S+E699R+S798R; -   N19G+Y27K+H79Y+Q187R+Q387L+T486C+D586S+C632S+Q675L+E699R+S798R; -   N19G+Y27K+H79Y+Q187R+V196R+Q387L+T486C+D586S+C632S+E699R+S798R; -   N19G+Y27K+H79Y+Q187R+V196R+Q387L+T486C+D586S+C632S+Q675L+E699R+S798R; -   N19G+Y27K+H79Y+Q187R+V196R+Q387L+Q459G+T486C+D586S+C632S+Q675L+E699R+S798R; -   N19G+Y27K+H79Y+Q187R+Q387L+D586S+E699R+S798R; -   N19G+Y27K+H79Y+Q187R+H321E+Q387L+D586S+E699R+S798R; -   N19G+Y27K+H79Y+Q187R+Q387L+Q459G+D586S+E699R+S798R; -   N19G+Y27K+H79Y+Q187R+Q387L+D586S+C632S+E699R+S798R; -   N19G+Y27K+H79Y+Q187R+E310A+D311K+Q387L+D586S+E699R+S798R; -   N19G+Y27K+H79Y+Q187R+E310A+D311K+Q387L+Q459G+D586S+E699R+S798R, said     variants having at least 30% relative activity when measured at     76° C. relative to activity at 65° C. using the PHADEBAS assay.

[Embodiment 88] The variants according to embodiment 87, wherein the variants further comprises one of the following combinations of substitutions:

-   N19G+Y27K+H79Y+Q187R+E310A+D311K+Q387L+D586S+E699R+S798R; or -   N19G+Y27K+H79Y+Q187R+E310A+D311K+Q387L+Q459G+D586S+E699R+S798R.

[Embodiment 89] A method for producing a variant pullulanase of a parent pullulanase comprising substitution of the parent pullulanase at one or more positions corresponding to positions 393, 143, 150, 243, 244, 345, 346, 368, 370, 373, 381, 382, 385, 387, 402, 429, 430, 431, 432, 456, 486, 492, 610, 624, 631, 632, 665 and 699 of the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 3 wherein the variant has pullulanase activity; and;

-   a) wherein the variant has at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%,     at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, or at least 99%, but less     than 100% sequence identity to the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 3; or -   b) wherein the variant has at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%,     at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, or at least 99%, but less     than 100% sequence identity to the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 6; or -   c) wherein the variant has at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%,     at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, or at least 99%, but less     than 100% sequence identity to the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 9; or -   d) wherein the variant has at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%,     at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, or at least 99%, but less     than 100% sequence identity to the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 16; or -   e) wherein the variant has at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%,     at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, or at least 99%, but less     than 100% sequence identity to the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 17

[Embodiment 90] A variant pullulanase produced by the method of embodiment 89.

[Embodiment 91] A composition comprising the variant pullulanase of any of embodiments 1-90.

[Embodiment 92] The composition according to embodiment 91, comprising one or more enzymes selected from the group consisting of: glucoamylase, alpha-amylase, beta-amylase, and protease.

[Embodiment 93] The composition according to any of embodiments 91 and 92 comprising a pullulanase of polypeptide of any of embodiments 1-84 and: i) a glucoamylase, an alpha-amylase and a protease; ii) an alpha-amylase and a protease; iii) a glucoamylase and an alpha-amylase; iv) a beta-amylase; or v) a glucoamylase.

[Embodiment 94] A use of a variant pullulanase of any of embodiments 1-90 for production of a syrup and/or a fermentation product, e.g., ethanol, from a starch containing material.

[Embodiment 95] The use according to embodiment 94, wherein the starch material is gelatinized or un-gelatinized starch material.

[Embodiment 96] A process of producing a fermentation product from starch-containing material comprising the steps of:

-   (a) liquefying starch-containing material in the presence of an     alpha amylase; -   (b) saccharifying the liquefied material in the presence of a     glucoamylase; and -   (c) fermenting with a fermenting organism; wherein step (a) and/or     step (b) is carried out in the presence of a variant pullulanase of     any of embodiments 1-90.

[Embodiment 97] A process of producing a fermentation product from starch-containing material, comprising the steps of:

-   (a) saccharifying starch-containing material at a temperature below     the initial gelatinization temperature of said starch-containing     material; and -   (b) fermenting with a fermenting organism -   wherein step (a) is carried out using at least a glucoamylase, and a     variant pullulanase of any of embodiments 1-90.

[Embodiment 98] The process according to embodiment 97, wherein an alpha amylase is added in step (a).

[Embodiment 99] The process according to embodiment 97, wherein saccharification and fermentation is carried out simultaneously.

[Embodiment 100] The process according to any of embodiments 96-99, wherein the fermentation product is an alcohol, particularly ethanol.

[Embodiment 101] A polynucleotide encoding the variant pullulanase of any of embodiments 1-90.

[Embodiment 102] A nucleic acid construct comprising the polynucleotide of embodiment 101.

[Embodiment 103] An expression vector comprising the polynucleotide of embodiment 101.

[Embodiment 104] A host cell comprising the polynucleotide of embodiment 101.

[Embodiment 105] A method of producing a pullulanase variant of any of embodiments 1-90, comprising cultivating the host cell of embodiment 104 under conditions conducive for production of the polypeptide.

[Embodiment 106] The method of embodiment 105, further comprising recovering the polypeptide.

[Embodiment 107] A whole broth formulation or cell culture composition comprising a polypeptide of any of embodiments 1-90.

The present invention is further described by the following examples that should not be construed as limiting the scope of the invention.

Materials and Methods

Determination of Sugar Profile and Solubilised Dry Solids

The sugar composition of the starch hydrolysates is determined by HPLC and glucose yield is subsequently calculated as DX. °BRIX, solubilized (soluble) dry solids of the starch hydrolysates are determined by refractive index measurement.

EXAMPLES Example 1 Construction of Pullulanase Libraries

Genomic DNAs from Bacillus subtilis strains harboring pullulanase genes from Bacillus sp. NCIB11777 (SEQ ID NO: 7 and 8), Bacillus deramificans NN18718 (SEQ ID NO: 4 and 5) and hybrid pullulanase P8, (SEQ ID NO: 1 and 2) which is a hybrid enzyme obtained by combining an N-terminal fragment of the pullulanase derived from Bacillus acidopullullyticus described in WO 2009/075682 (SEQ ID NO: 4 in WO2009/075682; GENESEQP: AXB71624), fused to a C-terminal fragment of a pullulanase derived from a Bacillus deramificans strain isolated from a humus sample collected in Denmark (a homologous pullulanase from Bacillus deramificans was disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,074,854 and 5,817,498) were isolated using NucleoSpin® Tissue kit [MACHEREY-NAGEL]. Pullulanase genes were amplified from the genomic DNAs using primers having 15 bp overlaps with an expression vector comprising the genetic elements for Bacillus expression and E. coli amplification as described in WO 99/43835 using Primer F1 and R1, Primer F2 and R2, and Primer F1 and R2 under the following conditions.

Primer F1: (SEQ ID NO: 10) ATGTATTATGGAGCTCTATAAAAATGAGGAGGGAACCGAATGTCCCTAA TACGTTCTAG Primer R1:  (SEQ ID NO: 11) TTATTGATTAACGCGTTTAATTTTGATCAATGACATC Primer F2: (SEQ ID NO: 12) ATGTATTATGGAGCTCTATAAAAATGAGGAGGGAACCGAATGGCTAAAA AACTAATTTATG Primer R2:  (SEQ ID NO: 13) TTATTGATTAACGCGTTTACTTTTTACCGTGGTCTG

Phusion polymerase (thermo scientific): Total 20 μl: 1.0 μl Template (100 ng/μl), 4.8 μl H₂O, 4 μl, Phusion HF Buffer: 1.6 μl dNTP (2.5 mM): 0.2 μl Reverse primer (20 μM), 0.4 μl Phusion (2 U/μl), 8.0 μl Forward mutation primer (1 μM). PCR-program: 98° C./30 sec, 30×(98° C./10 sec, 60° C./20 sec, 72° C./3 min), 72° C./5 min, 4° C./∞.

The resultant PCR fragments were purified by NucleoSpin® Gel and PCR Clean-up kit [MACHEREY-NAGEL] and ligated to the vector by In fusion cloning (Clontech). The in fusion mixture was then introduced into E. coli DH5α, Jet Competent E. coli Cell, BDL. The resultant plasmids were confirmed to have designed sequences and named pGMM, pD2 homolog and p008 and used as templates for library construction. All libraries were constructed by the following steps. A reverse or forward primer having NNK or desired mutation(s) at target site(s) with 15 bp overlaps each other were designed and two PCRs were carried out using Primed 1F or 2F and the reverse primer and the forward primer and Primer 1R or 2R using appropriate templates (pGMM, pD′ or p008). The resultant PCR fragments were purified by NucleoSpin® Gel and PCR Clean-up kit [MACHEREY-NAGEL] and mixed with an expression vector digested with SacI and MluI and in fusion mixture to introduce into E. coli. The resultant E. coli libraries were recovered and transformed into Bacillus subtilis to construct Bacillus libraries having desired mutations as shown in Table 1a and Table 1b.

TABLE 1a Substitutions of thermostabilized variants of P008 (SEQ ID NO: 3) Position Substitution(s) P022 V486C T492S P035 N368G P040 N368G M402T P075 E699R P076 E150R P091 T631S S632C P092 N346S P097 V486C T492S T631S S632C P129 N243E P130 S244K P132 V143G P136 N393A P140 N393A T631S S632C P147 N610R P148 N610L P150 T631S S632C E699R P155 G624S P161 N393A V486C T492S T631S S632C P162 N393A G624S S632C P172 N393A N610R T631S S632C P173 N393A G624S T631S S632C P178 F456A P188 N393A N610R G624S T631S S632C P189 N393A V486C T492S G624S T631S S632C P190 N393A V486C T492S N610R G624S T631S S632C P191 N368G N393A V486C T492S N610R G624S T631S S632C P192 N393A V486C T492S N610R G624S T631S S632C E699R P193 N346S N393A V486C T492S N610R G624S T631S S632C P194 N393A F456A V486C T492S N610R G624S T631S S632C P199 N393A T492S N610R G624S T631S S632C P202 N368G N393A T492S N610R G624S T631S S632C P203 A345P N393A V486C T492S N610R G624S T631S S632C P204 N368G K370S I373L N393A V486C T492S N610R G624S T631S S632C P205 I381V Q385E Q387L N393A V486C T492S N610R G624S T631S S632C P206 I381V N382T Q385E Q387L N393A V486C T492S N610R G624S T631S S632C P212 A345P N368G N393A T492S N610R G624S T631S S632C P213 N368G I381V Q385E Q387L N393A T492S N610R G624S T631S S632C P222 A345P N368G I381V Q385E Q387L N393A T492S N610R G624S T631S S632C P223 A345P N368G I381V Q385E Q387L N393A T492S N610R G624S T631S S632C V665I P224 N393A T430R Q431E L432F V486C T492S N610R G624S T631S S632C P225 N393A Q431E L432F V486C T492S N610R G624S T631S S632C P226 N393A I429V Q431E V486C T492S N610R G624S T631S S632C P227 N393A I429V T430R Q431E L432F V486C T492S N610R G624S T631S S632C P229 N368G I381V Q385E Q387L N393A Q431E L432F T492S N610R G624S T631S S632C P230 A345P N368G I381V Q385E Q387L N393A Q431E L432F T492S N610R G624S T631S S632C P231 A345P N368G I381V Q385E Q387L N393A Q431E L432F T492S N610R G624S T631S S632C V665I P242 A345P N368G I381V Q385E Q387L N393A T492S N610R G624S T631S S632C

Substitutions shown to have thermoactivity improving effects in SEQ ID NO: 3 were tested in SEQ ID NO: 6 according to below tables 1b and 1c. Table 1c use the numbering in SEQ ID NO: 3.

TABLE 1b Substitutions of thermostabilized variants of Bacillus deramificans pullulanase (D2 homolog) (SEQ ID NO: 6) Position numbering is according to SEQ ID NO: 6. Variant No. Substitution(s) P233 N468G P234 N493A P235 A592S P236 N710R P237 G724S P238 T731S S732C P239 N710R G724S T731S S732C P240 N468G N493A A592S P241 N468G N493A A592S N710R G724S T731S S732C

TABLE 1c Variants of SEQ ID NO: 6 using numbering according to SEQ ID NO: 3. Variant No. Substitution referring to SEQ ID NO: 3. P233 N368G P234 N393A P235 A492S P236 N610R P237 G624S P240 N368G N393A A492S P259 N368G N393A P261 N393A N610R P262 N368G N393A N610R P265 N368G N393A N610R G624S T492A

TABLE 1d Variants of SEQ ID NO: 16 (P258). Variant No. Substitution referring to SEQ ID NO: 3. P219 N368G N393A T492A N610R G624S T631S S632C P306 N368G N393A T492A N610R G624S T631S S632C Q431E L432F

TABLE 1e Variants of SEQ ID NO: 17 (P243). Variant No. Substitution referring to SEQ ID NO: 3. P252 N368G N393A N610R G624S T631S S632C P303 N368G N393A N610R G624S T631S S632C Q431E L432F

In order to test if the improved thermo-activity resulting from the introduced substitutions in the catalytic domain, could be maintained when N-terminal parts of the parent enzyme were replaced by N-terminal parts from other pullulanases the following hybrid pullulanases were constructed.

TABLE 2 Variants having substitutions in the catalytic domain were constructed by replacing N- terminal parts with equivalent parts from other pullulanases. The origin of the different N- terminal domains is shown by SEQ ID and for the CD both the origin and the specific substitutions are indicated. CBM41 X45a X25 X45b CBM48 Catalytic Domain, CD P6 SEQ ID 9 SEQ ID 9 No SEQ ID 9 SEQ ID 6 SEQ ID 6 (or 19) P8 SEQ ID SEQ ID 9 No SEQ ID 9 SEQ ID SEQ ID 6 (or 3) 9 (or 3) (or 3) (or 3) 9 (or 3) P- SEQ ID 6 SEQ ID 6 SEQ ID 6 SEQ ID 6 SEQ ID 6 SEQ ID 6 proD′ P240 SEQ ID 6 SEQ ID 6 SEQ ID 6 SEQ ID 6 SEQ ID 6 N368G N393A A492S (SEQ ID 6) P254 SEQ ID SEQ ID SEQ ID SEQ ID SEQ ID 6 N368G N393A A492S 15 15 15 15 (SEQ ID 6) P255 SEQ ID SEQ ID SEQ ID SEQ ID SEQ ID 9 N368G N393A 15 15 15 15 A492S (SEQ ID 6) P265* SEQ ID SEQ ID SEQ ID SEQ ID SEQ ID 9 N368G N393A T492A 15 15 15 15 N610R G624S (SEQ ID 6) P256 SEQ ID 9 SEQ ID 9 No SEQ ID 9 SEQ ID 6 N368G N393A A492S (SEQ ID 6) P257 SEQ ID 9 SEQ ID 9 No SEQ ID 9 SEQ ID 9 N368G N393A A492S (SEQ ID 6) P267* SEQ ID 9 SEQ ID 9 No SEQ ID 9 SEQ ID 6 N368G N393A T492A N610R G624S (SEQ ID 6) P216 SEQ ID SEQ ID SEQ ID SEQ ID SEQ ID 9 N368G N393A T492S 15 15 15 15 N610R G624S T631S S632C (SEQ ID 6) P252 SEQ ID SEQ ID SEQ ID SEQ ID SEQ ID 9 N368G N393A N610R 15 15 15 15 G624S T631S S632C (SEQ ID 17) P303 SEQ ID SEQ ID SEQ ID SEQ ID SEQ ID 9 N368G N393A N610R 15 15 15 15 G624S T631S S632C Q431E L432F (SEQ ID 17) P219 SEQ ID SEQ ID SEQ ID SEQ ID SEQ ID 9 N368G N393A T492A 15 15 15 15 N610R G624S T631S S632C (SEQ ID 16) P306 SEQ ID SEQ ID SEQ ID SEQ ID SEQ ID 9 N368G N393A T492A 15 15 15 15 N610R G624S T631S S632C Q431E L432F (SEQ ID 16) *P265 and P267 were borne with the A in position 492, however, this position is contributing to the observed effect and should not be modified unless the substitution is to S.

Example 2 Construction of Improved Variants of P303

The pullulanase variant, P303, was used as the starting point for further variant selection resulting in the below list of specific variants.

TABLE 3 Substitutions in addition to P303 substitutions (numbering refers to SEQ ID NO: 26) P316 Q258A P317 Q287R P318 Q352A P319 Q356R P323 Q258A + Q352A + Q356R P324 Q258A + Q287R + Q352A + Q356R P329 V212I P347 H186A P368 V212I + Q258A + Q287R + Q352A + Q356R P369 H186A + V212I + Q258A + Q287R + Q352A + Q356R P370 Y27K + H79Y + V212I + Q258A + Q287R + Q352A + Q356R P372 Q258A + Q287R + N322P + Q352A + Q356R P375 H186A + V212I + Q258A + Q287R + N322P + Q352A + Q356R P376 H186A + V212I + Q258A + Q287R + Q352A + Q356R P377 H186A + V212I + Q258A + Q287R + N322P + Q352A + Q356R P378 Y27K + H79Y + H186A + V212I + Q258A + Q287R + Q352A + Q356R P385 Y27K + H79Y + H186A + V212I + Q258A + Q287R + N322P + Q352A + Q356R P397 Y27K + H79Y + H186A + V212I + Q258A + Q287R + N322P + Q352A + Q356R + D686S P415 N19G + Y27K + H79Y + H186A + V212I + Q258A + Q287R + N322P + Q352A + Q356R + D686S P416 N19G + Y27K + H79Y + H186A + V212I + Q258A + Q287R + G296R + N322P + Q352A + Q356R + D686S P417 Y27K + H79Y + H186A + V212I + Q258A + Q287R + N322P + Q352A + Q356R + V586A + D686S P418 Y27K + H79Y + H186A + V212I + Q258A + Q287R + N322P + Q352A + Q356R + D686S + E799R P424 N19G + Y27K + H79Y + H186A + V212I + Q258A + Q287R + N322P + Q352A + Q356R + V586A + D686S P425 N19G + Y27K + H79Y + H186A + V212I + Q258A + Q287R + N322P + Q352A + Q356R + D686S + E799R P426 N19G + Y27K + H79Y + H186A + V212I + Q258A + Q287R + N322P + Q352A + Q356R + Q485E + D686S + E799R P427 N19G + Y27K + H79Y + H186A + V212I + Q258A + Q287R + N322P + Q352A + Q356R + Q487L + D686S + E799R P428 N19G + Y27K + H79Y + H186A + V212I + Q258A + Q287R + N322P + Q352A + Q356R + V586A + D686S + E799R P435 N19G + Y27K + H79Y + H186A + V212I + Q258A + Q287R + G296R + N322P + Q352A + Q356R + V586A + D686S + E799R P436 N19G + Y27K + H79Y + H186A + V212I + Q258A + Q287R + G296R + N322P + Q352A + Q356R + Q487L + V586A + D686S + E799R P472 N19G + Y27K + H79Y + H186A + V212I + Q258A + Q287R + N322P + Q352A + Q356R + Q487L + D686S + C732S + E799R P484 N19G + Y27K + H79Y + H186A + V212I + Q258A + Q287R + N322P + Q352A + Q356R + Q487L + D686S + C732S + E799R P485 N19G + Y27K + H79Y + H186A + V212I + Q258A + Q287R + N322P + Q352A + Q356R + Q487L + S557A + L559G + D686S + E799R P486 N19G + Y27K + H79Y + H186A + V212I + Q258A + Q287R + N322P + Q352A + Q356R + H421E + Q487L + S557A + L559G + V586A + D686S + E799R

Example 3 Construction of Variants P287 and P380

Starting from P202, described in example 1 above, three further substitutions, N222P+Q252A+Q256R, were introduced in order to generate P287.

Thus, P287, is SEQ ID NO: 3 comprising the substitutions: N222P+Q252A+Q256R+N368G+N393A+T492S+N610R+G624S+T631S+S632C.

Another variant, P380, was generated by replacing the catalytic domain of P008 with the catalytic domain from P306. P380 is included herein as SEQ ID NO: 28.

Thus, P380, has the structure as shown below:

Catalytic CBM41 X45a X25 X45b CBM48 Domain, CD P380 SEQ ID SEQ ID 9 No SEQ ID 9 SEQ ID N368G N393A 9 (or 3) (or 3) (or 3) 9 (or 3) T492A N610R G624S T631S S632C Q431E L432F (SEQ ID 16)

Example 4 Construction of Improved Variants of P380

The pullulanase variant, P380, was used as the starting point for further variant selection resulting in the below list of specific variants.

TABLE 4 Substitution in addition to P380 substitutions (numbering refers to SEQ ID NO: 3) P388 Y27K + H79Y + Q187R + S798R P398 Y27K + H79Y + Q187R + D586S + S798R P403 Y27K + H79Y + Q187R + D586S + E699R + S798R P408 Y27K + H79Y + Q187R + T486S + D586S + S798R P423 N19G + Y27K + H79Y + Q187R + T486C + D586S + E699R + S798R P430 N19G + Y27K + H79Y + Q187R + Q385E + T486C + D586S + E699R + S798R P431 N19G + Y27K + H79Y + Q187R + Q387L + T486C + D586S + E699R + S798R P443 N19G + Y27K + H79Y + Q187R + Q387L + Q459G + T486C + D586S + C632S + E699R + S798R P444 N19G + Y27K + H79Y + Q187R + Q387L + T486C + D586S + C632S + Q675L + E699R + S798R P448 N19G + Y27K + H79Y + Q187R + V196R + Q387L + T486C + D586S + C632S + E699R + S798R P449 N19G + Y27K + H79Y + Q187R + V196R + Q387L + T486C + D586S + C632S + Q675L + E699R + S798R P450 N19G + Y27K + H79Y + Q187R + V196R + Q387L + Q459G + T486C + D586S + C632S + Q675L + E699R + S798R P470 N19G + Y27K + H79Y + Q187R + Q387L + D586S + E699R + S798R P481 N19G + Y27K + H79Y + Q187R + H321E + Q387L + D586S + E699R + S798R P482 N19G + Y27K + H79Y + Q187R + Q387L + Q459G + D586S + E699R + S798R P483 N19G + Y27K + H79Y + Q187R + Q387L + D586S + C632S + E699R + S798R P493 N19G + Y27K + H79Y + Q187R + E310A + D311K + Q387L + D586S + E699R + S798R P507 N19G + Y27K + H79Y + Q187R + E310A + D311K + Q387L + Q459G + D586S + E699R + S798R

Example 5 Pullulanase Assay

Red-pullulan Assay (Megazyme)

Substrate Solution

-   0.1 g red-pullulan (megazyme S-RPUL) -   0.75 ml 2M sodium acetate, pH5.5 -   14.25 ml H2O

10 μl of enzyme samples were mixed with 80 μl of substrate solution and incubated at set temperatures (ex. 55, 60, 65° C.) for 20 min. 50 μl of ethanol was added to the reaction mixtures and centrifuge for 10 min. at 3500 rpm.

The supernatants were carefully taken out and the absorbance, A510 was determined.

PAH BAH-pullulan Assay

Substrate Solution

-   0.15 g BH4-pullulan -   25 ml 50 mM Na acetate buffer, pH5.5     PAHBAH Solution -   0.0552 g Bismuth (III)-acetate -   0.2 g PAH BAH -   0.5 g Potassium sodium tartrate, tetrahydrate -   10 ml 500 mM NaOH

10 μl of enzyme samples were mixed with 110 μl of substrate solution and incubated at set temperatures (e.g., 55, 60, 65° C.) for 20 min. 40 μl of PAHBAH solution was added to the reaction mixtures, incubated for another 20 min at 50° C. and the absorbance, A405 was determined.

Lintner Soluble Waxy Starch Assay

Substrate Solution

-   0.2 g Lintner's waxy corn starch -   2.5 ml 2M sodium acetate -   97.5 ml H₂O

5 μl of enzyme samples were mixed with 100 μl of substrate solution and incubated at set temperatures (e.g., 55, 60, 65, 70, 75° C.) for 20 min. 100 μl of 0.15% I₂/1.5% KI solution was added to the reaction mixtures and the absorbance, A610 was determined.

PHADEBAS Assay

Substrate Soln.

-   -   1 tablet of PHADEBAS alpha-amylase tablet     -   5 ml 50 mM Na acetate buffer, pH5     -   40 sec. microwave oven up to boiling         Stop Soln.     -   18% acetic acid         Assay Method     -   Enzyme reaction in 96 well PCR tube

10 ul of enzyme samples were mixed with 100 ul of substrate solution and incubated at set temperatures (eg. 55, 60, 65° C.) for 20 min. 50 ul of stop solution was added to the reaction mixtures and centrifuge for 10 minutes at 3500 rpm. The supernatants were carefully taken out and the absorbance at A600 was read.

Example 6 Evaluation of Thermoactivity

Bacillus libraries constructed as in example 1 were fermented in 96 well MTPs containing TB-gly medium (13.3 g/L Bacto™ Tryptone, 26.6 g/L Bacto™ Yeast extract D, 4.4 g/L Glycerol) with 6 mg/L chloramphenicol at 220 rpm, 37° C. and pullulanase activities were measured at several temperatures by Lintner soluble starch assay and/or Phadebas assay described in EXAMPLE 2. Relative activity of pullulanase variants showing higher thermoactivity compared to parental pullulanases as shown in tables.

Relative Relative Relative activity activity activity of 70° C./ of 72° C./ of 74° C./ 65° C. (%) 65° C. (%) 65° C. (%) SEQ ID NO: 9 15 6 SEQ ID NO: 3 54 6 2 P091 98 31 P092 86 4 P129 83 8 P130 71 10 P132 69 11 P136 115 61 P147 74 58 P148 64 51 P155 87 14 P178 62 11 P097 118 71 P140 106 81 P150 82 44 10 P173 95 75 37

Relative activity of Relative activity of 68° C./60° C. (%) 70° C./60° C. (%) SEQ ID NO: 3 67 35 P022 90 57 P035 113 119 P040 104 105 P075 86 72 P076 80 55

Relative activity (%) 70/65 72/65 74/65 76/65 78/65 72/70 74/70 76/70° C. SEQ ID 6% 3% 1% NO: 9 SEQ ID 28% 5% 1% 52% 8% 5% NO: 3 P091 72% 12% 6% P136 75% 9% 6% P147 53% 5% 4% P155 59% 6% 0% 59% 8% 6% P140 91% 26% 8% P161 118% 82% 31% 97% 54% 10% P162 88% 27% 7% P172 111% 75% 19% 95% 52% 8% P173 108% 84% 26% 96% 53% 9% P188 97% 100% 36% P189 107% 81% 34% P190 122% 106% 61% 13% P191 148% 134% 87% 30% P193 135% 112% 21% P194 124% 68% 9% P199 147% 106% 55% 7% P202 112% 68% 12% P203 115% 76% 29% P204 110% 66% 18% P205 103% 63% 42% P206 91% 71% 34% P212 97% 84% 22% P213 86% 70% 44% P222 98% 71% 8% P223 92% 16% 0% P224 99% 43% 4% P225 108% 76% 8% P226 113% 66% 6% P227 99% 29% 3% P230 102% 78% 64% 12% P231 101% 65% 50% 12% P242 84% 55% 4%

Relative activity (%) 65° C./60° C. 67° C./60° C. Bacillus deramificans pullulanase  70% 20% (SEQ ID NO: 6) P233 100% 79% P234 102% 81% P235  92% 25% P236 100% 64% P240 101% 86%

Relative activity 65° C./60° C. Bacillus deramificans pullulanase 65% (SEQ ID NO: 6) P261 69% P262 77% P265 84%

Relative activity 70° C./60° C. Bacillus deramificans pullulanase 36% (SEQ ID NO: 6) P259 106%  P240 95%

Example 7 Fermentation of the Bacillus Strains

B. subtilis strains were fermented on a rotary shaking table in 500 ml baffled flasks containing 100 ml TB-gly with 6 mg/L chloramphenicol at 220 rpm, 37° C. The culture was centrifuged (20000×g, 20 min) and the supernatants were carefully decanted from the precipitates. The supernatants were filtered through a 0.45 um filter unit to remove the rest of the Bacillus host cells.

Example 8 Purification of Pullulanases

Purification of pullulanases was carried out by 6-cyclodextrin affinity column and followed by anion exchange column chromatography. After purification, pullulanases were dialyzed against 20 mM sodium acetate buffer (pH 5.5) and concentrated.

Example 9 Enzyme Thermostability Measurement

Purified enzyme was diluted with 50 mM sodium acetate pH 5.0 or 4.3 to 0.5 mg/ml and mixed with the equal volume of SYPRO Orange (Invitrogen) diluted with Milli-Q water. Thirty microliters of mixture solution was transfer to LightCycler 480 Multiwell Plate 96 (Roche Diagnostics) and the plate was sealed.

Equipment Parameters of TSA:

-   -   Apparatus: LightCycler 480 Real-Time PCR System (Roche Applied         Science)     -   Scan rate: 0.02° C./sec     -   Scan range: 37-96° C.     -   Scan rate: 1.26° C./min     -   Integration time: 0.5 sec     -   Excitation wave length 465 nm     -   Emission wave length 580 nm

The obtained fluorescence signal was normalized into a range of 0 and 1. The Melting temperature (Tm) was defined as the temperature where the normalized value is closest to 0.5.

TSA Tm (° C.) pH 4.3 pH 5.0 SEQ ID NO: 9 69 68 SEQ ID NO: 3 72.5 72.7 P091 76.5 77 P136 76.9 76.5 P155 76 76.3 P097 77.7 77.4 P140 78.1 77.5 P161 79.2 78.5 P172 78.1 77.8 P173 78.5 77.6 P190 79.2 78.5

Example 10 Temperature Activity Measurement

Activity measurement of pullulanases was carried out in the range of 55-77.5° C. at pH 5.0 by PHADEBAS assay described in EXAMPLE 2. The temperature optimum of the variants were higher than the parental P008, around 70-72.5° C. as shown in the below table.

Temperature (° C.) 55 60 65 67.5 70 72.5 75 77.5 SEQ ID NO: 3 53% 79% 89% 100% 93% 15% 2% 1% P161 25% 46% 99% 91% 98% 100% 20% 2% P172 38% 56% 68% 90% 100% 85% 17% 1% P173 35% 55% 81% 97% 100% 89% 15% 1% P190 23% 36% 62% 88% 98% 100% 34% 2%

Example 11 Catalytic Domain Variants Having N-terminal Parts Replaced

Two variants having substitutions in the catalytic domain, P240 and P265, described in example 3 were tested after replacement of the N-terminal domains. The replacement resulted in P256 and P267.

Bacillus clones were fermented in 96 well MTPs containing TB-gly medium (13.3 g/L Bacto™ Tryptone, 26.6 g/L Bacto™ Yeast extract D, 4.4 g/L Glycerol) with 6 mg/L chloramphenicol at 220 rpm, 37° C. and pullulanase activities were measured at several temperatures by Phadebas assay described in EXAMPLE 2. Relative activity of pullulanase variants showing higher thermoactivity compared to parental pullulanases as shown in below table.

Relative activity at indicated temp (° C.) 65/60 67/60 70/60 72/60 SEQ ID NO: 19 88% 50%  9% 9% P256 105%  90% 17% 9% P267 96% 101%  28% 10% 

Example 12 Relative Activity of Selected Variants

Purified enzyme was diluted to a fixed concentration with dilution buffer. Ten microliters of enzyme solution was added to 110 ul of preincubated 0.5% substrate solution (at 60-75° C. at 5° C. intervals) and incubated for 30 min. The reaction was stopped by adding 10 ul of 500 mM NaOH and 40 ul of PAHBAH solution was added there. After 20 min incubation at 55° C., the absorbance at A405 was read.

Relative activity 65° C./ 70° C./ 70° C./ 60° C. 60° C. 75° C. Commercial PromozymeD  65%  0%  0% P008 112% 117% 28% P199 122% 141% 119%  P202 123% 141% 125%  P216 123% 137% 75% P219 118% 121% 62% P240 114%  58%  3% P252 132% 136% 22% P254 115%  21%  6% P256 112%  40%  6% P303 125% 135% 68%

Relative activity 72° C./60° C. 74° C./60° C. P303 37% 12% P306 82% 29% P219 65% 20% Commercial PromozymeD  0%  0%

Example 13 Improved Specific Activity for Selected Variants

Specific activities toward Pindex100 (DE3) were determined using the method described in a modified method of PAHBAH-Pullulan assay described in EXAMPLE 2 using purified pullulanase samples (2 μg/ml) at 60° C. and 65° C. Instead of using pullulan, Pindex100 was used in this experiment. The specific activities are listed as relative activity to that of purified commercial product, Promozyme® D2 (Sigma E2412)

Specific activity toward maltodextrin (100% at promozyme D at 60° C.) 60° C. 65° C. Commercial PromozymeD2 100%  65% P199 108% 132% P202 110% 135% P219 127% 150% P240 141% 161% P252 108% 143% P254 122% 140% P256 128% 143% P303 110% 137% P380  97% 116%

Example 14 Relative Activity Measurements of Selected Pullulanase Variants

Relative activity measurements of selected pullulanase variants was carried out in the range of 65-79° C. at pH 5.0 by the PHADEBAS assay described in EXAMPLE 2. The results are shown in the tables below.

Relative activity 72° C./65° C. 74° C./65° C. 76° C./65° C. 78° C./65° C. P303 75% 12% 1% 0% P316 91% 36% P317 97% 42% P318 91% 39% P319 93% 40% P323 86% 27% P324 74% 17% 2% P329 76% 21% P347 75% 13% P368 88% 62% P369 92% 59% 2% P370 105%  81% 11%  P372 109%  87% 10%  P375 113%  93% 4% P376 112%  98% 4% P377 93% 78% 16%  P378 108%  86% P385 104%  63% 5% P397 90% 46% 3% P415 46% 6% P416 32% P417 52% 8% P418 48% P424 60% 12%  P425 49% 7% P426 25% 3% P427 67% 20%  P428 61% 14%  P435 4% 2% P436 15%  4% P472 47% 27%  P484 45% 24%  P485 80% 60%  P486 79% 68% 

Relative activity 72° C./65° C. 74° C./65° C. 76° C./65° C. 78° C./65° C. P202 109% 96% 26% 2% P287 107% 96% 42% 3% P380 101% 97% 78% 7%

Relative activity 76° C./65° C. 78° C./65° C. 79° C./65° C. P202 26%  2% P380 32%  7% P388 68% P398 51% 19% P403 70% 46% P408 92% 57% P423 87% 73% P430 90% 79% P431 93% 95% P443 100%  62% P444 77% 71% P448 81% 60% P449 70% 60% P450 73% P470 84% 68% P481 89% 63% P482 78% 59% P483 62% 35% P493 87% 71% 33% P507 88% 74% 38%

Example 15 Enzyme Thermostability Measurement (TSA)

The thermo-stability measured as melting temperature (Tm) was determined as described in example 9.

Purified enzyme was diluted with 50 mM sodium acetate pH 5.0 or 4.3 to 0.5 mg/ml and mixed with the equal volume of SYPRO Orange (Invitrogen) diluted with Milli-Q water. Thirty microliters of mixture solution was transfer to LightCycler 480 Multiwell Plate 96 (Roche Diagnostics) and the plate was sealed.

Equipment Parameters of TSA:

-   -   Apparatus: LightCycler 480 Real-Time PCR System (Roche Applied         Science)     -   Scan rate: 0.02° C./sec     -   Scan range: 37-96° C.     -   Scan rate: 1.26° C./min     -   Integration time: 0.5 sec     -   Excitation wave length 465 nm     -   Emission wave length 580 nm

The obtained fluorescence signal was normalized into a range of 0 and 1. The Melting temperature (Tm) was defined as the temperature where the normalized value is closest to 0.5.Tm analysis by TSA

Tm (° C.) pH 4.3 pH 5.0 SEQ ID NO: 9 69 68 P202 75.7 76.07 P199 75.05 75.5 P213 78.55 78.7 P225 80.29 80.74 P216 72.68 73.49 P217 73.08 74.1 P218 72.05 72.65 P219 72.11 72.89 P252 71.53 72.08 P303 72.58 73.54 P380 75.5 76.7 P370 74.1 74.6 P379 72.2 73.2 P368 73.4 73.9 P385 73.5 73.3 P408 77.2 78.5 P423 71.6 74.7 P425 71.7 72.7 P470 80.1 80.3 P472 76.2 75.7

Example 16 Saccharification Test of Selected Variants

Maltodextrin which dextrose equivalent (DE) was adjusted to 11 was prepared from a conventional starch liquefaction process using corn starch and spray-dried for this experiment. The maltodextrin powder was dissolved in hot milliQ water and the pH was adjusted by HCl/NaOH to be 4.3 at 65° C., and then the solid was adjusted to 40% dry solid (DS) by measuring refractive index (RI) of the syrup. The syrup was conducted in 25 ml glass vial, and saccharification was started at 65° C. by adding 2 ml enzyme mixture containing purified glucoamylase JGA098 and pullulanase so that the final dosage of glucoamylase was 0.194 AGU/gDS and that of pullulanase was 5.3 or 10.7 ug/gDS. The samples were incubated at 65° C. with stirring and were sampled at different time points. At each sampling, 0.75 ml of the syrup was heat-inactivated at 100° C. for 15 min, and then diluted 6-fold with distilled water and filtered through 0.2 μm nylon syringe filter prior to HPLC analysis. Twenty microliter of the syrup sample was applied to HPX-870 column (Bio-Rad) equilibrated with distilled water at flow rate of 0.5 ml/min at 85° C., and glucose and other oligosaccharides were fractionated under isocratic conditions and detected by a RI detector. Glucose yield (% DX) was calculated as the percentage of glucose peak area in total area detected. The enzyme dosages and the % DX against incubation time were shown in the Table below.

% DX of the Syrup at Different Time Points.

PromozymeD2 P256 P240 PromozymeD2 P256 P240 Time [hr] 5.3 ug/gDS 5.3 ug/gDS 5.3 ug/gDS 10.7 ug/gDS 10.7 ug/gDS 10.7 ug/gDS 8 62.7 62.4 62.8 63.6 63.3 63.3 16 79.7 80.8 81.1 83.1 83.0 83.8 24 86.7 87.8 88.8 90.5 90.7 91.3 36 91.3 92.5 93.3 94.5 94.9 95.2 48 93.5 94.5 95.1 95.8 96.1 95.9 60 94.5 95.4 95.7 96.0 96.3 96.2 72 95.0 95.6 95.8 96.1 96.2 96.2 90 95.2 95.7 95.7 95.9 96.1 96.0

The invention described and claimed herein is not to be limited in scope by the specific aspects herein disclosed, since these aspects are intended as illustrations of several aspects of the invention. Any equivalent aspects are intended to be within the scope of this invention. Indeed, various modifications of the invention in addition to those shown and described herein will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the foregoing description. Such modifications are also intended to fall within the scope of the appended claims. In the case of conflict, the present disclosure including definitions will control. 

The invention claimed is:
 1. A pullulanase variant comprising a substitution at one or more positions corresponding to positions 393, 143, 150, 243, 244, 346, 368, 370, 373, 381, 385, 387, 402, 429, 430, 456, 486, 492, 610, 631, 632 and 665 of the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 3 wherein the variant has pullulanase activity, and; a) wherein the variant has at least 85%, but less than 100%, sequence identity to the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 3 and wherein the variant has increased thermoactivity compared to the pullulanase of SEQ ID NO: 3; or b) wherein the variant has at least 85%, sequence identity to the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO:
 21. 2. The pullulanase variant according to claim 1, comprising a substitution at two or more positions corresponding to positions 393, 143, 150, 243, 244, 346, 368, 370, 373, 381, 385, 387, 402, 429, 430, 456, 486, 492, 610, 624, 631, 632 and 665 of the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO:
 3. 3. The pullulanase variant according to claim 1, comprising a substitution at three or more positions corresponding to positions 393, 143, 150, 243, 244, 346, 368, 370, 373, 381, 385, 387, 402, 429, 430, 431, 456, 486, 492, 610, 624, 631, 632 and 665 of the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO:
 3. 4. The pullulanase variant according to claim 1, comprising a substitution at four or more positions corresponding to positions 393, 143, 150, 243, 244, 346, 368, 370, 373, 381, 385, 387, 402, 429, 430, 431, 432, 456, 486, 492, 610, 624, 631, 632 and 665 of the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO:
 3. 5. The pullulanase variant according to claim 1, comprising a substitution at five or more positions corresponding to positions 393, 143, 150, 243, 244, 345, 346, 368, 370, 373, 381, 385, 387, 402, 429, 430, 431, 432, 456, 486, 492, 610, 624, 631, 632 and 665 of the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO:
 3. 6. The pullulanase variant according to claim 1, comprising a substitution at six or more positions corresponding to positions 393, 143, 150, 243, 244, 345, 346, 368, 370, 373, 381, 382, 385, 387, 402, 429, 430, 431, 432, 456, 486, 492, 610, 624, 631, 632 and 665 of the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO:
 3. 7. The pullulanase variant according to claim 1, comprising a substitution at one position corresponding to positions 393, 143, 150, 243, 244, 345, 346, 368, 456, 492, 610 or 624 of the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 3 wherein the variant has pullulanase activity.
 8. The variant according to claim 1, wherein the variant comprises or consists of one or more substitutions selected from the group consisting of 393A, 143G, 150R, 243E, 244K, 345P, 346S, 368G, 370S, 373L, 381V, 382T, 385F, 387L, 402T, 429V, 430R, 431E, 432F, 456A, 486C, 492S,A, 610R,L, 624S, 631S, 632C and 665I.
 9. The variant of claim 1, wherein the variant comprises at least one of the following substitutions or combinations of substitutions: N368G; E150R; N346S; N243E; S244K; V143G; N393A; N610R; N610L; G624S; F456A; T492S,A; V486C+T492S,A; N368G+M402T; T631S+S632C; V486C+T492S,A+T631S+S632C; N393A+T631S+S632C; N393A+V486C+T492S,A+T631S+S632C; N393A+G624S+S632C; N393A+N610R+T631S+S632C; N393A+G624S+T631S+S632C; N393A+N610R+G624S+T631S+S632C; N393A+V486C+T492S,A+G624S+T631S+S632C; N393A+V486C+T492S,A+N610R+G624S+T631S+S632C; N368G+N393A+V486C+T492S,A+N610R+G624S+T631S+S632C; N346S+N393A+V486C+T492S,A+N610R+G624S+T631S+S632C; N393A+F456A+V486C+T492S,A+N610R+G624S+T631S+S632C; N393A+T492S,A+N610R+G624S+T631S+S632C; N368G+N393A+T492S,A+N610R+G624S+T631S+S632C; A345P+N393A+V486C+T492S,A+N610R+G624S+T631S+S632C; N368G+K370S+I373L+N393A+V486C+T492S,A+N610R+G624S+T631S+S632C; I381V+Q385E+Q387L+N393A+V486C+T492S,A+N610R+G624S+T631S+S632C; I381V+N382T+Q385E+Q387L+N393A+V486C+T492S,A+N610R+G624S+T631S+S632C; A345P+N368G+N393A+T492S,A+N610R+G624S+T631S+S632C; N368G+I381V+Q385E+Q387L+N393A+T492S,A+N610R+G624S+T631S+S632C; A345P+N368G+I381V+Q385E+Q387L+N393A+T492S,A+N610R+G624S+T631S+S632C; A345P+N368G+I381V+Q385E+Q387L+N393A+T492S,A+N610R+G624S+T631S+S632C+V665I; N393A+T430R+Q431E+L432F+V486C+T492S,A+N610R+G624S+T631S+S632C; N393A+Q431E+L432F+V486C+T492S,A+N610R+G624S+T631S+S632C; N393A+I429V+Q431E+V486C+T492S,A+N610R+G624S+T631S+S632C; N393A+I429V+T430R+Q431E+L432F+V486C+T492S,A+N610R+G624S+T631S+S632C; N368G+N393A+A492S,A; N368G+N393A; N393A+N610R; N368G+N393A+N610R; N368G+N393A+T492S,A+N610R+G624S; N368G+N393A+T492S,A+N610R+G624S+T631S+S632C+Q431E+L432F; N368G+N393A+N610R+G624S+T631S+S632C; N368G+N393A+T492S,A+N610R+G624S+T631S+S632C; or N368G+N393A+N610R+G624S+T631S+S632C+Q431E+L432F.
 10. A variant catalytic domain, wherein the variant catalytic domain comprises a substitution at one or more positions corresponding to positions 393, 346, 368, 370, 373, 381, 385, 387, 402, 429, 430, 456, 486, 492, 531, 532, 610, 631, 632 and 665 of the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 3; and; a) wherein the variant catalytic domain has at least 85%, but less than 100% sequence identity to amino acids 330 to 828 of SEQ ID NO: 3; or b) wherein the variant catalytic domain has at least 85%, SEQ ID NO:
 21. 11. The variant catalytic domain according to claim 10 comprising a substitution at two or more positions corresponding to positions 393, 346, 368, 370, 373, 381, 385, 387, 402, 429, 430, 456, 486, 492, 610, 624, 631, 632 and 665 of the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO:
 3. 12. The variant catalytic domain according to claim 10 comprising a substitution at three or more positions corresponding to positions 393, 346, 368, 370, 373, 381, 385, 387, 402, 429, 430, 431, 456, 486, 492, 610, 624, 631, 632 and 665 of the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO:
 3. 13. The variant catalytic domain according to claim 10 comprising a substitution at four or more positions corresponding to positions 393, 346, 368, 370, 373, 381, 385, 387, 402, 429, 430, 431, 432, 456, 486, 492, 610, 624, 631, 632 and 665 of the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO:
 3. 14. The variant catalytic domain according to claim 10 comprising a substitution at five or more positions corresponding to positions 393, 345, 346, 368, 370, 373, 381, 385, 387, 402, 429, 430, 431, 432, 456, 486, 492, 610, 624, 631, 632 and 665 of the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO:
 3. 15. The variant catalytic domain according to claim 10 comprising a substitution at six or more positions corresponding to positions 393, 345, 346, 368, 370, 373, 381, 382, 385, 387, 402, 429, 430, 431, 432, 456, 486, 492, 610, 624, 631, 632 and 665 of the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO:
 3. 16. A pullulanase variant comprising the variant catalytic domain according to claim 10, wherein the pullulanase variant has pullulanase activity and increased thermoactivity compared to the parent pullulanase, and the variant has at least 60% relative activity when measured at 70° C. relative to activity at 65° C.
 17. The pullulanase variant according to claim 16, wherein the variant comprises or consists of one or more substitutions selected from the group consisting of 393A, 345P, 346S, 368G, 370S, 373L, 381V, 382T, 385F, 387L, 402T, 429V, 430R, 431E, 432F, 456A, 486C, 492S,A, 610R,L, 624S, 631S, 632C and 665I.
 18. The pullulanase variant according to claim 16, further comprising an N-terminal part comprising at least one of the domains selected from a CBM41 domain, an X45 domain and a CBM48 domain.
 19. The pullulanase variant according to claim 18, comprising an N-terminal part comprising a CBM41 domain, an X45 domain and a CBM48 domain.
 20. The pullulanase variant according to claim 19, further comprising an X25 domain.
 21. The pullulanase variants according to claim 18, wherein the N-terminal parts are selected from CBM41, X45, X25, and CBM48 obtainable from a Bacillus bacterium.
 22. The pullulanase variant according to claim 17, wherein the variant comprises one or more substitutions selected from the group consisting of 393A, 368G, 492S,A, 610R,L, 624S, 631S, 632C, 431E, 432F.
 23. The pullulanase variant according to claim 22, wherein the variant comprises at least one of the following substitutions or combinations of substitutions: 368G+393A+492S,A; 368G+393A+T492S,A+610R+624S; 393A+492S,A+610R+624S+631S+632C; 368G+393A+492S,A+610R+624S+631S+632C; 368G+393A+492S,A+610R+624S+631S+632C+431E+432F; 368G+393A+610R+624S+631S+632C; 368G+393A+610R+624S+631S+632C+431E+432F.
 24. The variant according to claim 1, wherein the variant has increased thermoactivity.
 25. The variant according to claim 1, wherein the variant has increased specific activity toward starch or maltodextrin compared to any of SEQ ID NO:
 3. 26. A method for producing a variant pullulanase of a parent pullulanase comprising substitution of the parent pullulanase at one or more positions corresponding to positions 393, 143, 150, 243, 244, 345, 346, 368, 370, 373, 381, 382, 385, 387, 402, 429, 430, 431, 432, 456, 486, 492, 531, 532, 610, 624, 631, 632 and 665 of the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 3 wherein the variant has pullulanase activity and increased thermoactivity compared to the parent; and; a) wherein the variant has at least 85%, but less than 100% sequence identity to the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 3; or b) wherein the variant has at least 85%, sequence identity to the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO:
 21. 27. A variant pullulanase produced by the method of claim
 26. 28. A composition comprising the variant pullulanase of claim
 1. 29. The composition according to claim 28, further comprising one or more enzymes selected from the group consisting of: glucoamylase, alpha-amylase, beta-amylase, and protease.
 30. The composition according to claim 28, comprising a variant pullulanase of claim 1 and: i) a glucoamylase, an alpha-amylase and a protease; ii) an alpha-amylase and a protease; iii) a glucoamylase and an alpha-amylase; iv) a beta-amylase; or v) a glucoamylase.
 31. A process of producing a fermentation product from starch-containing material comprising the steps of: (a) liquefying starch-containing material in the presence of an alpha amylase; (b) saccharifying the liquefied material in the presence of a glucoamylase; and (c) fermenting with a fermenting organism; wherein step (a) and/or step (b) is carried out in the presence of a variant pullulanase of claim
 1. 32. A process of producing a fermentation product from starch-containing material, comprising the steps of: (a) saccharifying starch-containing material at a temperature below the initial gelatinization temperature of said starch-containing material; and (b) fermenting with a fermenting organism wherein step (a) is carried out using at least a glucoamylase, and a variant pullulanase of claim
 1. 33. The process according to claim 32, wherein an alpha amylase is added in step (a).
 34. The process according to claim 33, wherein saccharification and fermentation is carried out simultaneously.
 35. The process according to claim 31, wherein the fermentation product is ethanol.
 36. A polynucleotide encoding the variant pullulanase of claim
 1. 37. A nucleic acid construct comprising the polynucleotide of claim
 36. 38. An expression vector comprising the polynucleotide of claim
 36. 39. An isolated host cell comprising the polynucleotide of claim
 36. 40. A whole broth formulation or cell culture composition comprising a variant pullulanase of claim
 1. 41. The variant of claim 1, which has at least 90% , but less that 100%, sequence identity to the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO:
 3. 42. The variant of claim 1, which has at least 95%, but less than 100%, sequence identity to the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO:
 3. 43. The variant of claim 1, which has at least 97%, but less than 100%, sequence identity to the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO:
 3. 44. The variant of claim 1, which has at least 98%, but less than 100%, sequence identity to the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO:
 3. 45. The variant of claim 1, which has at least 99%, but less than 100%, sequence identity to the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO:
 3. 46. The variant of claim 1, which has at least 90% sequence identity to the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO:
 21. 47. The variant of claim 1, which has at least 95% sequence identity to the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO:
 21. 48. The variant of claim 1, which has at least 96% sequence identity to the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO:
 21. 49. The variant of claim 1, which has at least 98% sequence identity to the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO:
 21. 50. The variant of claim 1, which has at least 99% sequence identity to the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO:
 21. 